The American Rottweiler Club has sent a letter to World Wrestling Entertainment asking them to stop selling Tshirts which deliberately portray the Rottweiler as “vicious”.

The WWE Tshirts have spurred protests from dog lovers across the country and feature wrestling star John Cena with two snarling dogs.  The shirts are being sold in national retail chain stores, including JC Penny and Kohl’s.

(See image - Front of  WWE shirt)

American Rottweiler WWE Cena Shirt

“That the WWE is profiting by deliberately protraying a negative stereotype of the Rottweiler, damaging the reputation of this noble breed, and further fueling the wave of legislation banning Rottweilers from communities across the country is an affront to every loving and responsible Rottweiler owner in the country”, said ARC President, Diane Garnett in the letter.

The American Rottweiler Club, a staunch opponent of breed specific legislation, is concerned that innocent dogs

and innocent dog owners will no doubt suffer the consequences because of the WWE’s irresponsible marketing tactics.

“We ask that World Wrestling Entertainment immediately stop selling inflammatory John Cena Tshirts”, said Ms. Garnett in the letter directed to WWE chief, Vince McMahon, and SVP of Communications, Gary Davis.

Rottweilers and their owners have been stigmatized to the point to where even therapy and service dogs are discriminated against.  Earlier this year, a Sears store manager demanded that a woman in a wheelchair with a Rottweiler service dog  leave the store.  She and her husband called to police in order to protect her right to access with her service dog.

Incidents of physical violence and verbal assaults against Rottweilers and their owners are on the rise.   Also of prime concern is the loss of insurance coverage and housing, which results in the needless euthanization of thousands of Rottwielers each year.

“We are asking our club members and every dog lover in the country for help in stopping the sale of this biased Tshirt and to help save innocent dogs”, said Ms. Garnett.

Dog lovers can help by contacting World Wrestling Entertainment, JC Penny and Kohl’s and ask them to pull the John Cena Rottweiler shirt.

CONTACTS:

World Wrestling Entertainment

Vince McMahon, CEO

Gary Davis, SVP Communications

1241 E. Main St.

Stamford, CT 06902

Ph) 203 - 353-2890

JC Penny

 

Michael Ullman, III - CEO

Michael J. Boylson, Chief Marketing Officer

Lana Cain, General Manager Merchandise, Boys and Men

6501 Legacy Dr.

Plano, TX  75024

Ph) 972 -431-1000

Kohl’s

 

R. Lawrence Montgomery - CEO

N56 WI 17000 Ridgewood Dr.

Menomonee Falls, WI  53051

Ph) 262-703-7000