Photo via Sophie Gamand on Instagram
Photo via Sophie Gamand on Instagram

A New York-based photographer is using Instagram and some well-placed flower hats in a campaign to save pit bulls.

Sophie Gamand launched “Flower Power: Pit Bulls of the Revolution” last August in response to the fact that American euthanizes about 1.2 million dogs every year and it’s estimated that 75 percent of them are pit bulls. Focusing on photographing dogs in New York City shelters, Gamand writes on her website:

Pit bulls are often powerful dogs who are very loyal. Like any other breed, they need proper care, training and socialization. Unfortunately, because of their bad image, they have the reputation of being dangerous, hence attracting irresponsible primary owners. Pit bulls have become the disposable dogs of America.

To combat the perceptions that all pit bulls are violent, Gamand photographs them with “flower crowns” on their heads. Every dog she captures is from a shelter waiting for adoption.

The images are beautiful and disturbing. She posts them on Instagram for her audience of about 27,000 followers.

Watch the Mashable video about Gamand and her work below, and you’ll never look at pit bulls the same again:

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