Parents' Guide to

Pit Bulls and Parolees

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Dog rescue series is more troubling than inspirational.

TV Animal Planet Reality TV 2009
Pit Bulls and Parolees Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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age 11+

Based on 22 parent reviews

Shan-d
Shan-d Adult
January 19, 2020
age 2+

Something 360!

Umm. I love your show. I will watch all the reruns. I think your voice is followable. Even pretty tones. I used to be a very busy person but I ended up leaving my stuff and entire family at home one day. I have a pit bull since 12 weeks? My children put puppy in my arms and we slept. I was working 2 jobs. We slept on a twin bed with our pack. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. I was 6. My dad called me and I have never been alright again. My puppy is a red nose actually its pink. Blue baby blue eyes and she can smile and sing but now when I go there she can even fly she's that excited to she me. I vowed to God that these would be my last animals I ever have. The story is idk kinda boring and tragic. Its not touching or even moving. Its lame more like it but I got the audition and I nailed it. Theres no way out for me. No one is going to split us apart or abuse us ever ever again because I know what love is and I tried to destroy it just to hide from me becoming vernuble but I hurt even worse. Hatred is a dark place to forgive. She did. She found it and she got in. I let her be the victim but I know that the two of us can be together in this pack. I already let her be Alpha half the time. I chase her and she tucks her butt and legs under her chest and runs smiling with her pink cheers 1/2 inch away from her teeth. Her tail tucked and laughing her heart straight into mine. This is for you Monkey
1 person found this helpful.
JIGW
JIGW Adult
January 6, 2020
age 18+

Love the dogs!

I have always loved the show and how Tia gives so much for the dogs. I have really been repulsed by the satanic symbols tattooed on Tania. I am going to quit watching it.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 22 parent reviews

What's the Story?

PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES follows dog rescuer Tia Maria Torres as she
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runs the day-to-day operations of the Villalobos Rescue Center, the largest pit bull shelter in America. With the help of daughters Mariah and Tania, foster sons Kanani and Keli'I, and a small
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staff of parolees, Torres rescues hundreds of abused and/or abandoned pit
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bulls with the hope that they can eventually be placed into loving
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homes. As she rehabilitates and trains the dogs, she teaches the
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former convicts how to give of themselves while caring for and
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respecting the animals. But while she offers the maligned dog breed and
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the former prisoners a second chance at life, she also struggles with the
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current incarceration and upcoming trial of her husband, Aren "A.J."
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Jackson, who's in jail awaiting trial on felony charges.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (22 ):
Kids say (7 ):

Pit Bulls and Parolees is a sounding board for the outspoken Torres, who takes every
opportunity to demonstrate how pit bulls can be good pets despite their
natural strength and violent reputation. Arguing that they're the most
abused and misjudged breed in the country, she readily shows graphic
pictures while describing the extent of the injuries and illnesses that her
rescued pooches have suffered from. Meanwhile, she and her staff
continually parallel the dogs' difficult plight with the
real-life experiences of ex-cons, who are also looking for social
acceptance.

While Torres is clearly passionate about helping animals and people,
her positive messages are uncomfortably mixed in with declarations
about her husband's innocence and the injustice of his situation.
Adding to the discomfort are scenes of A.J. addressing the court in
prison garb and shackles during his hearings. Plus, it's hard to
completely trust the dogs and the people Torres helps when the animals
exhibit hostile behavior and the parolees vaguely describe some of
their past criminal acts. Overall, this show offers a mixed bag of
messages that leaves you feeling more troubled than inspired. 

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how pit bulls are typically seen by the public. Do you think the breed's reputation has a connection to the way the media has chosen to portray the dogs?

  • What about the ex-convicts? Do you think parolees have a harder time rejoining society because of
    the way former prisoners are depicted in movies and TV shows? Why or why not?

  • Do you think that animals who've become aggressive as the result of
    abuse or neglect can really be transformed into good family pets? Or
    will they potentially be dangerous after being retrained?

TV Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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