Rebuilding From the Bottom Up – Animal Planet’s PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES Returns for its Fifth Season Jan. 22

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TORONTO (December 13, 2013) – From a devastating hurricane that took her home, to an overwhelming abundance of dogs and puppies in need, the first year in New Orleans hasn’t been easy for Tia Torres. However, this gives Torres the chance to make an even bigger impact on the lives of misunderstood pit bulls, and to give back to the city that gave her a fresh start, as another chapter unfolds in an all-new season of PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES premiering Wednesday, January 22 at 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT on Animal Planet.  

A man’s best friend:  PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES fifth season premieres Jan. 22 on Animal Planet

This season finds Torres in a completely re-established Villalobos in the heart of the New Orleans’ ninth ward. The city offers even more stories of rescue and rehabilitation, including a mission involving a protective mama dog and her litter of seven puppies, and Torres’ dangerous retrieval of two stray pit bulls hiding beneath a hazardous two-ton pile of lumber. This season, Torres and her staff are confronted with more cases of dog abuse and dog fighting than ever before. With bigger and more dangerous rescues, Torres along with her family and parolees, will stop at nothing until peace is restored in “The Big Easy.”

Over the years, Torres has faced the discrimination that came with being married to a convict and endured the intolerance surrounding her beloved pit bull breed. She’s also managed to recruit a staff of parolees to help keep her facility running smoothly. On top of that, Torres has raised two daughters, Tania and Mariah; and adopted twin sons, Kanani a.k.a “Nani,” and Keli’i a.k.a “Moe.” Torres’ deep commitment to second chances is the driving force behind Villalobos. Unwanted pit bulls receive the rehabilitation they need to move onto loving homes, and parolees who can’t find jobs elsewhere are given a chance at redemption.

About Animal Planet
See our planet from a wilder perspective! Animal Planet is the only animal entertainment brand that captures the drama and compelling characters of the animal kingdom. From the most perilous encounters with nature’s fiercest predators to the pets we bring into our own family, Animal Planet brings out the character behind every creature and shares the story behind every behaviour. Meet these animals – and their human companions and protectors – as they surprise us, scare us, play with us and teach us how similar we really are. Launched in Canada in 2001, Animal Planet programming offers an immersive and compelling journey into the animal world. Animal Planet is offered in standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) simulcast – for viewers who want an even wilder animal experience. Animal Planet is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. Visit Animal Planet online at animalplanet.ca.

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SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Animal Planet Canada on Twitter: http://twitter.com/animalplanetca 

For more information:                                 

Elysia Circelli, Animal Planet, 416.384.5166 or elysia.circelli@bellmedia.ca

Jodi Cook, Animal Planet, 416.384.4603 or jodi.cook@bellmedia.ca