In cities across America, animal shelters are reporting that Pit Bulls and Pit Mixes comprise 45-60% of their dogs. Though many of these dogs would make fantastic family pets, they have the highest euthanasia rate of any breed-- by far.
With 3-5 million pit bulls the US, it is clear that their reputation as unpredictable killers is clearly overstated. Many of these dogs live in family homes with adults, children, and other animals, but a great deal more are euthanized every day. One Los Angeles area shelter states that they are forced to euthanize more than 200 pitbulls/pitbull mixes each day. Only one in 600 pities finds his/her forever home
WHY Breed Specific Legislation Does Not Work:
1. Breeds most often involved in bite injuries and fatalities is ever-changing depending on breed popularity and location.
2. Socialization, supervision, humane training and safe confinement play a larger role than genetics in determining who will bite.
3. Correct breed identification by bystanders, pet owners, police, medical workers and animal control personnel is notoriously unreliable. It is next to impossible to tell mixed breeds.
4. According to a 20 year study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there’s no accurate way to identify the total number of dogs of a particular breed. In fact, the CDC says even their study is not appropriate tool for making breed-specific policies or legislative decisions. The organization actually supports dangerous dog laws which focus on individual dogs rather than breeds.
What You Can Do:
1. Sign This Petition
2. Vote against any Breed Specific Legislation that comes up in your area
3. Take some time to educate yourself about pitbulls, perhaps get to know one, and share your knowledge with people you know who may be afraid of these dogs
4. If you're looking to adopt a dog, consider whether a pitbull might be the right companion for you. We did, and you can see Olive's sweet face in the photo above.
