Local dogs had their day Saturday during the first Dallas County Bully Bar B Que at Bloch Park.

The event was organized by Selma Fire Department member Chad Mitchell as a way to educate the general public about the docile nature of American pit bulls terrier and American bully pit bulls.

“I’ve got four pit bulls myself, and they are great,” Mitchell said. “They have the perfect disposition to be around people of all ages, including kids. Our theme for the day is ‘punish the deed, not the breed’, because we want people to understand these dogs aren’t born bad.”

Saturday’s event attracted dozens of dog owners and their four-legged friends who came together in the shaded area behind the Selma Farmers Market, and Mitchell said people had come from all around the region to take part.

“We had a lot of response from all over. I know we had a guy come from Atlanta, and we’ve got people coming from as far north as Huntsville and as far south as Mobile,” Mitchell said. “It means a lot, because we want people to get a positive view of this breed.”

While the event was free for all to attend, plate of chicken, ribs, beans and other sides were for sale. Mitchell said all the proceeds from food sales would go to the Selma Animal Shelter.

“Today’s event is all about these pit bulls, but the money will go to the animal shelter, and all the different breeds they take care of over there,” Mitchell said.

Wendell Lewis was working the grill Saturday, and he said he wanted to do his part to make the event a successful one.

“Working the grill for everybody is just my contribution today,” Lewis said. “I’m a dog-lover. People just need to know that if you treat these dogs right, and train them to be good, they are good docile dogs like any other breed.”