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Shelter leader seeks pit bull sterilization
Says it 'next to impossible' to get them adopted and he's tired of euthanizing
COMMENT: Should owners be required to sterilize pit bulls?
RELATED: 'We are sick and tired of euthanizing pit bulls'
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
HAMILTON — Leland Gordon, executive director of the Animal Friends Humane Society, is tired of watching dogs die.
So he is calling on local cities to pass ordinances requiring residents to spay or neuter their pit bulls.
Extras
This weekend, 15 pit bulls passed through the Trenton shelter. This includes Blossom, who came in roughly 25 pounds under weight.
The problem, Gordon said, is pits are bred for money, abused to make them aggressive, and often neglected or abandoned. This can make an otherwise friendly dog mean.
"The husband and wife with two kids with the white picket fence in Butler County are not coming in to adopt pit bulls," he said. "It's next to impossible to get them adopted because most people do not want to adopt pit bulls because of their reputation."
If they're not adopted, the animals are euthanized.
Gordon pointed to San Francisco, where shelters took in a quarter fewer pit bulls after mandatory sterilization.
Butler County Chief Dog Warden Julie Holmes agrees that the county has a pit bull problem.
"Most pit bulls are friendly, loyal animals. But every time you see a breed become popular, there tends to become inbreeding and overbreeding," she said.
Holmes said many inner-city pit bull owners want the dogs as status symbols, or even for dog fighting.
"The moment you tell them they have to have those animals fixed, I guarantee they won't have them," she said. "If you truly love the dog or love the breed, you're going to take care of it regardless of whether they're spayed or neutered, and that's what we want to see."
Pit bull lovers include Sheila Chapman of Fairfield Twp. She has a pit mix named Memphis, and is fostering a pit puppy named Rogue. She said they get along great with her two children, ages 5 and 13.
"Both of mine are sweet and wonderful dogs, and I think it's just how you raise them," Chapman said. "Humans are the same way, you can teach them to be awful, or you can teach them to be nice."
State law already requires Chapman to carry $1,000 in liability insurance — costing her about $150 a year — and to keep the dog in a fenced area and muzzle it when in public.
She supports a spay/neuter restriction. She fears that, if action isn't taken, someone is going to push for a total ban on the notorious breed, such as the one that exists in Fairfield.
"Just totally banning a dog just because of the breed, I don't think that's right," she said.
Contact this reporter at jsweigart@coxohio.com.
Comments
By none
June 16, 2010 7:44 PM | Link to this
Justice for Pitbulls, First off, its not the dog’s fault if it attacks someone, its the breeder’s fault, the dog is ALWAYS blamed and not the ghetto filth that bred it to fight. Also, why is it when pitbulls attack, There is a front page article and everything, but if its another breed, no one seems to care? BSL (Breed specific legislation) is a problem in america. Do you even know how many pits are killed just for being the breed that they are?
By seo lace
May 2, 2010 7:12 PM | Link to this
I am havung a tough tmie eeeing your website in Opera 9.3, just figured I wuold tel you baoutit!
By Tired of BSL and Pits at the top
June 23, 2009 6:02 PM | Link to this
Female Blue Pitt, licking you from head to toe before she sits in your lap and goes to sleep and she wouldn’t know you from “adam”. BSL is messed up and for Pitts to be at the top is even more screwed up. If you own a Pitt you need to learn how to treat them properly or don’t bother getting them. Furthermore, ANY dog that is treated with disrespect can do just as much damage as a Pitt can, its all about how you raise them.
By Tired of BSL and Pits at the top
June 23, 2009 5:58 PM | Link to this
First of all, the reason why Pitts attack owners is because of the way that owner treats that animal. I have been raising Pitt Bulls for 7 yrs. In that time I have never been bitten or attacked, and no one that came into my home was ever attacked or bitten. I at one time had 7 Pitts all in the same house. They are very loyal and very respectable animals as long as you do not treat them like bait or neglect them. If you walked into my home right now the most attacking that will get is my (cont)
By Tired of the BS
May 4, 2009 12:22 PM | Link to this
Sherry,
Perhaps YOU should do your homework. Percentage wise, pitbull attacks, even pets to owners, are 47% higher than any other breed.
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By Laura G
June 10, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Mandatory sterilization doesn’t solve the problem. Even if it could be effectively enforced, enforcement is not education. Unless people change their attitudes, we’ll just be chasing people around and issuing citations.
Truly responsible breeders put healthy, stable dogs into the hands of responsible owners. If we force out these breeders, then we will be left with irresponsible people, who put unhealthy, unstable dogs into the hands of reckless and criminal owners.
By Samantha
May 2, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
When my dad told me about this I was horrified, I couldn’t believe he’d found something this bad. I found it in the news paper a couple of days later and had to believe it. I don’t understand how people can mistreat animals like that. People should realize animals can feel pain too and starving to death is a horrible way to die. I just wish people would step up and take care of their animals or find someone who can.
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April 22, 2008 6:54 AM | Link to this
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March 26, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
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By Sherry
March 10, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
To all those Pit Bull hater’s. Any dog can turn on you. Look & see the number one dog that bites people. It sure isn’t a Pit. I am going to take this time to say I just found a young reddish pit bull on Friday 7th. I picked him up because I know what people do with Pit’s.Called Hamilton County SPCA & they said they would KILL him if he is taken down there. That makes me sick. He is so sweet & get’s along with my cats & 3 other dogs. 1 is also a male. I am looking for his owner.Found in Norwood.
By Linda Hayes
February 29, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
I had a red nose pit bull named Gracie she was 6 months old and the runt of the litter and she was a wonderfull dog. Very loving and a lap dog. Well on Feb 26 08 I took my Gracie to my vet to get her fixed and she gave her to much anthisha (sp) and killed her. All she said was she was sorry for what happend. I had to have her cremanted due to the fact that ground was frozen. I live in Trumbull County in NE Ohio.
By Carla
February 25, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Dave- my statement supporting the sterilization of all pets is a bit overstated- I do support proper breeding it’s the improper irresponsible breeding or the claim that reason enough not to get your pet fixed is shearly the cost that I do not support. It is so sad to think of how many animals are abandoned, abused or euthanized each year we do need to control the pet population and I really think responsible pet owners need to think through whether or not they want their pet to be bred.
By PonyVet
February 20, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
There will NEVER be a shortage of dogs and cats!!! There are plenty of idiots that think they can buy a female and male dog and make money from the puppies and when they can’t sell them, they bring them to a shelter. Also, plenty of humane societies, shelters and breed rescues adopt pits. Just check out petfinder.com but remember, American Staffordshires are “pit bull” type dogs, as are American bull dogs and such. There are many different names for breeds of dogs that RESEMBLE pit bulls.
By Dave
February 20, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Sally - I don’t understand why I must become the executioner. My wish is that people become responsible pet owners. That people make decisions that do not harm pets unnecessarily. That people enact laws that hold accountable the incorrigibles that cause these dogs to prefer fight over flight. That people not report only the results of the bad actions of poorly treated dogs, but the good that these dogs are capable of. People seem to be the problem - not the breed.
By Sally
February 20, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Dave, you need to go volunteer at the Humane Society and help them euthanize all the pit-bulls brought in. If most people don’t adopt them and people like you don’t want to force spay/neuter then nothing will change. They euthanize daily and I am sure they would love your help! If you don’t live in their area, be sure to visit Cincy and Dayton as they have pit-bull bans and all the pits are euthed brought to their shelters. You will find none for adoption on the big shelters’ websites.
By Jamie
February 20, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
These companies are worried about the strides that PETA is making that are changing their industries and compelling them to take animal welfare concerns seriously; they hope to scare people away from supporting PETA by misrepresenting the vital work that we do for animals. To learn more about CCF—which USA Today recently opined should rename its Web site FatforProfit.com—please see the following Web sites:
http://www.ConsumerDeception.com http://www.CitizensForEthics.org/node/19131
By Jamie
February 20, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Recently, some groups have made misleading claims about PETA’s euthanasia rate compared to the rates of various animal shelters. One such group is the deceitfully named Center for Consumer Freedom (CCF)—a front group for Philip Morris, Outback Steakhouse, KFC, cattle ranchers, and other animal exploiters that kill millions of animals every year—which is acting not out of compassion but out of greed. Continued
By Suzy
February 20, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Not to be repetitious, but it definitely is the way an animal is treated. I would probably trust any pitbull in a dark alley over any human. I’ve had 5 pits in my life and all were excellent with children, other animals, and other people. I do feel all animals should be spade and/or neutered simply because there are too many unwanted ones. Cats and dogs included. Come on people, let’s be responsible and get with the program.
By Suzy
February 20, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Not to be repetitious, but it definitely is the way an animal is treated. I would probably trust any pitbull in a dark alley over any human. I’ve had 5 pits in my life and all were excellent with children, other animals, and other people. I do feel all animals should be spade and/or neutered simply because there are too many unwanted ones. Cats and dogs included. Come on people, let’s be responsible and get with the program.
By Dave
February 20, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
Carla - if all pets are desexed, how will new pets be created? If no new pets can be created then there will be a shortage. In fact there will be none. That’s not silly at all. Oh, and Bob Barker, he was a breeder who now supports PeTA, which in 2006 killed 97% of the animals it “rescued” in 2006. How is it ethical to kill that many leaving creatures?
By Carla
February 20, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
There are too many dogs & cats in shelters as it is- all should be spayed or neutered- listen to Bob Barker! There will never be a pet deficit- that is just silly! & if anyone is concerned with the cost of fixing their pet then they should not be a pet owner at all- the cost is minimal compared to that of food, shelter, grooming & shots- if you can’t afford to have your dog (Pit Bull or not) fixed then you should not assume you can afford to care for a pet at all!
By Sheila
February 20, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
The problem with the comments we’ve read so far it that, not alot of people have made a comment about any other breed that has just lost it on a member of their family or even a stranger, even little ankle bitters will mess you up.. I so agree with getting any animal spayed/neutered,but it should be their choice, now the price to do so is really to much, if you ask me. I have a pitt, she will be a year old next month, and she’s harmless, she listens better than the kids. She’s our family
By Dave
February 20, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this
Dave - you said: “When the right circumstance arrives they will go into fight mode.” You’re exactly right - ALL dogs, and humans, have the fight or flight response. And ALL dogs have teeth in a mouth that is their ONLY way to defend themselves. With that logic all dogs should be spayed/neutered, which will end ALL dogs. So much for companion pets!
By ER RN
February 20, 2008 3:56 AM | Link to this
My most favorite pet to date was a pit. She was my newborn son’s second mother, pacing frantically to get someones attention if my son so much as passed gas. When my son learned to sit up, she always curled around him to catch his fall. Two times she became aggressive; when someone was trying to break into our home & when a stranger riding a bike came too close to my son and then kicked her in the head because she silently stood between the him and my son. She was family. We will always miss her
By Lindsay
February 19, 2008 11:30 PM | Link to this
If someone is just keeping a dog for companionship, it should be altered, as there is no reason to breed them. That said, legislation to restrict or regulate breeding usually nets the reputable breeders, but doesn’t affect the rest. Backyard breeders can simply not register their “kennel,” breed and sell the dogs out of their basements, and so on. Legislation to get at the breeding of just one breed is missing the point as well. IMO, we need smarter laws, not harsher ones.
By Celeste
February 19, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
If your vet is too expensive for routine visits, you can always call around for a cheaper one. Sometimes cheaper doesn’t mean better. 2 Vets might have graduated from the same school at the same time, one with A’s and the other barely passing. Who would choose as your vet? Me I want the A student even if I have to pay a little more but know my pet is in good hands. Have you ever saved your change for pet emergencys? It adds up quick. Pocket change can come in handy when your pet is sick!
By Celeste
February 19, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Pit Bulls were bred for a job, to take down bulls. That being banned people turned to dog fights.$$ They had to be taught to fight, just like any other dog bred to do any job. Biting comes naturally, for ALL DOGS. Pit Bulls are a cross between a bulldog and a terrier and have been called by many names. They are loyal, loving and affectionate like most dogs. Bad news travels faster then good news. It is easy to misunderstand them especially if a person only reads the headlines. Get the real facts
By cathy
February 19, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
I posted earlier and someone said back to me that it is the owners who have the problem. I agree, but again is it right that the shelters cannot adopt them? And eventially they are euthanized? If no one has a solution as to “who will adopt them from the shelters” then we have only one solution to the problem. No more litters! Sterilizations make no more litters. I am for the dogs and not the owners. It is sad when animals have to be euthanized. Pet owners cannot be controlled,litters can be.
By Dave
February 19, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
I think fighting has been bred into them just like other traits have been bred into other dogs such as pointing.
When the right circumstance arrives they will go into fight mode. When they are in this mode they don’t distinguish between adult, child or animal.
We accept that other animals are bred for certain things but ignore pitbull because of emotions.
No dog breed is worth a child’s disfigurement or life.
By Heather Ann
February 19, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
State Farm will usually insure these dogs. I think that owners of other dog breeds need to wake up too b/c dogs such as German Shepherds have been targeted too.
Bite stats are not a sound basis for banning breeds b/c you don’t know how many of a given dog breed exists in the first place—which is why the CDC quit gathering dog bites by breeds years ago. Please google BADRAP and visit the site.
By Heather Ann
February 19, 2008 7:56 PM | Link to this
State Farm will usually insure these dogs. I think that owners of other dog breeds need to wake up too b/c dogs such as German Shepherds have been targeted too.
Bite stats are not a sound basis for banning breeds b/c you don’t know how many of a given dog breed exists in the first place—which is why the CDC quit gathering dog bites by breeds years ago. www.badrap.org
By Tom
February 19, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
The numbers of dumped pit bulls won’t go down till we get to the heart of the problem- the BREEDERS.
If breeders had to be licensed, inspected, and follow rules then we could shut down the unreputable ones.
And also deal with the fighting dog breeders. (Not to mention the people breeding and selling dogs and not paying taxes, which is what’s happening)
But the problem is that breeder lobbying groups like AKC (that make their money off the puppy mill registrations) oppose breeder laws
By Cristina
February 19, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
I agree with spay/neutering all animals that come through shelters.Regardless of the breed.The fact that pit bulls have been singled out is discriminatory.Ohio’s state law that singles out pit bull type breeds is also discriminatory.The people that are posting their ignorance in the Journal posts have obviously never owned or have a clue about this breed of animal.I’ve seen three dogs in my life attack children,theirs breeds are chows and dashounds and chauwauwaus.Mandatory neutering too?
By Jacob
February 19, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Yes Dave I hope HB 366 passes. However, that bill still allows “local control” allowing municipalities like Cincy, Dayton, and Fairfield to continue to ban the breed. There are thousands of pits brought to Ohio shelters every year. The majority of people do not adopt pit-bulls. Most major insurance companies will drop you if you have a pit. They are used in pit-bull fighting and as status symbols by many. Animal shelters have to deal daily will all the pit-bulls brought in. Fix these pits!
By Dave
February 19, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
True - pit bulls are currently listed on the vicious dog list, but HB 366 aims to remove the specific breed designation: https://secure2.convio.net/aspca/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr004=vciknl4a31.app23b&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2259
By Karen
February 19, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
No matter what breed people don’t take responsibility for their animals. Bought as cute puppies and Kittens and discarded when they are a problem instead of fixing the problem. Breeders should be stopped so helpless animals aren’t mistreated.
By PonyVet
February 19, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
of a competant doctor. It is true that a cat neuter is minimally invasive and not very time consuming, but an obese dog in heat is a less than ideal surgical candidate. Most people that complain about vet bills are the same people who spend $500 at a pet store, for some mutt puppy they are told is a purebred. Respect the veterinary profession as well as your pets. Sorry for the repeat posts; computer issues :)
By PonyVet
February 19, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
Veterinarians endure a long, rigorous education along with over $100K in debt, they should be able to charge (appropriately) for their services. I do not routinely work on small animals, so I can not give you an idea of average spay or neuter pricing. I can say that, you wouldn’t trust some guy on the street to stitch up your wounds, so why would you consider major surgery for your pet overpriced? There is the time, medications, procedures and KNOWLEDGE that your pet is in the hands of(cont)
By PonyVet
February 19, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Vets are too expensive? So, going to college for 8+ years (over $100K in cost) should mean that we work for free? Because I do not routinely practice on small animals, I can not accurately judge what some small animal veterinarians charge but I can assure you that we are medical professionals and endure just a rigorous educational program as human doctors. You wouldn’t want “some guy” off of the street even putting one stitch in your arm, would you? Then why would you complain about (cont)
By Trish
February 19, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Any and all animals have as much right to be here as we do. The problem with greed, along with running the animals off the land, also they are cute when small along with them getting older and going thru the stages without being spaded or neutered, they end up thrown out or killed. Remember these animals show love and have not been outsde and are scared when put up against hunger and the public,hiding,What do you expect them to do. I am appalled at the way People treat animal
By Jacob
February 19, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
No-one should be breeding pit-bulls in Ohio. They are classified as viscious dogs in Ohio and are banned in numerous cities across the country including Cincinnati, Fairfield, and Dayton. Do we really want people breeding viscious dogs? Also, no animal shelter in Ohio is adopting out hundreds of pit-bulls due to the state law and the pit-bull bans.
By Sue
February 19, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
The Humane Society www.animalfriendshs.org has low cost spay/neuter programs to help Butler County residents. Under the UCAN program dogs can be fixed for $50. Their low income SNIP program can fix a dog for $30. Cats range from $20-$25! If people want to help, then get your pets fixed! Knock off all the out of control breeding…especially pit-bulls. All this euthanization will never end until more people start fixing their pets.
By Kevin
February 19, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
Spay / Neuter fees are a one time deal for each pet. So it shouldn’t be a big deal. Grooming on the other hand is a much more expensive proposition. But, the more you go to the groomer the less traumatic it will be for your pet.
By Adrianne
February 19, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Kudos to them! They SHOULD stop killing them. NOW! Treat them like other dogs,not monsters. I worked at a shelter for 3 years - we adopted out hundreds a yr. We had a 96% save rate for dogs. Only 4% of dogs we got in could not go out. And we got in hundreds&hundreds of “pit bulls”. Get a good adoption program in place, spay/neuter everything before adoption, make affordable s/n available and target the service to the right demographic. Contact euniverz@aol.com for our program!
By Susan
February 19, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
I never thought I would have a pit bull, of course, because of their “reputation”, but my daughter brought home Joey, and she is now in college in N. Carolina and “grandma” here will regret the day that he leaves to go live with her. I have two other dogs, a border collie and a shitz, and a cat. They all get along better than anyone would think. If you remember, back in the late 80’s Doberman Pinchers had the same reputation. My daughter was an toddler and my parents had Rebel. He was her bud
By Heather Fields
February 19, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Any animal is capable of attacking at any time. You just read about the Pitt’s. I used to have Pitt’s, two small children at the time and kitten’s. All they did was play and enjoy the love. Do not post a bulletin about an animal you have never owned or the only information you have is the bad media you see or read. I went to the shelter a couple of weeks ago and it broke my heart cause they dont have a chance. Please go adopt one! They are a loyal, beautifull, smart breed, give them a chance!
By ANthony
February 19, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Im a VERY proud owner of a Pitbull!!! I couldnt ask for a better, more well rounded, adult dog then him. I have a 20 month old daughter, and she is everything to him… I wish people would stop putting a lable on them. The problem i see with so called “PITBULL” attacks, is more then 50% of the time, the dog isnt even a PITBULL. Its some kind of mutt that the cops says is a “pit” because they dont know any better.
By Dave
February 19, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
dan2915_45056,
The media skews it’s stories to show the breed in a bad light. Have a look here: http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_8265578 for an example.
By angelwings
February 19, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
It is a good idea for everyone(dog or cat) who cannot prove to have a professional mannered breeding program or be a registered breeder. There is no reason to have an animal that is not spay or neutered unless you are a breeder or are working with a breeder to properly become a breeder. Any animal can be bad and aggressive! It isn’t just a pit thing.
By dan2915_45056
February 19, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
How many kids or animals need to be hurt by these dogs.People don’t understand , that it is in the bleeding ,PITBULL are agressive dog.People who has a dog that attack ,will say we don’t understand we raise the PITBULL from a puppy and we was never mean to it,Just one day out of the blue tha dog when crazy and hurt some one.PITBULL ARE UNSAFE animals .watch the news and see how many time this dogs attack
By Dave
February 19, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Mandatory spay/neuter laws are enacted to extinguish a breed/species. If there is 100% compliance with the law will result zero pets. But, as can be seen with handgun laws, there is an element of society that does not abide by the laws, so law abiding citizens will be the ones that are ultimately negatively affected by MSN laws.
By Pitlover
February 19, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
If all pit bulls are required to be microchipped the Dog Warden can record the microchip number of any pit bull they pick up and keep track of the owner. If they are constantly picking up the same dogs from the same owners they can impose some restrictions on the irresponsible owners themselves. Considering it is the owner’s responsibility to train and restrain their dogs. Make them pay for their mistakes not the dogs or the reponsible pit bull owners.
By Celeste
February 19, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
Pit Bulls like any animal if abused will protect themselves. Pit Bulls are high energy dogs and need to run off that energy like many other breeds of working dogs. Not that long ago other breeds we singled like this. Dog fights brought the sweet pit bull in to the limelight. Nutering is good for all animals not being bred. Forced nutering makes illegal breeders go underground and dangerous not only for people but for the future of the dog. Note: not only Pit Bulls are used in illegal dog fights
By Pitlover
February 19, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
It doesn’t help that a lot of Home Owner’s Insurance Providers will not insure you if you own a pit bull/pit bull mix. They also discriminate against Chow Chows, Akitas, Wolves & Wolf hybrids, & Rottweilers, to name a few. Therefore causing a lot of responsible pet owners to look the other way when any of these breeds are available for adoption or risk losing their HOI coverage.
By Shannon
February 19, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this
I agree with vets being too expensive, that is why there are affordable spay and neuter clinics everywhere for people who cannot afford the vets price. I had a stray cat neutered for only $28 at a spay and neuter clinic. Just research your state online to find one near you…and spread the word! ;)
By Susan
February 19, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Many folks don’t realize that kittens can be safely sterilized at 8 weeks (2 lbs) and puppies at 4 months. The big problem, along with lack of education, is that vets charge too much for normal spay/nueter procedures. It’s grossly overcharged. The procedure is quick. A cat can be neutered in 30 seconds! Spayed in 2 minutes. Just watch a Quick Spay Video. It should never cost more than $50. Make it affordable and people will have it done. No one WANTS to give pups and kittens to the shelter.
By Susan
February 19, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
The long term answer is simple. We DESPERATELY NEED low cost spay/neuter facilities throughout our county. Facilities strategically located in Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield, Trenton so people have quick & easy access to them. The cost needs to be minimal: less than $25 & free for seniors. They need to be open at least 5 days a week, including Sat & Sun so they can be utilited by working families.
Give people access to affordable surgery & they will use it. Animals will then stop dying.
By Jen
February 19, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
The problem is, only responsible pet owners would obey the law in the first place, possibly eliminating “good” pit population. People who are irresponsible, allowing them to breed and mistreating them will continue reguardless of “mandatory sterilization.” These people aren’t going to abide by a city ordinance. It’s sad to hear that so many of this breed are being euthanized but this isn’t the answer. All pet owners should spay/neuter to control the population and adopt from shelters/rescues!
By Shannon
February 19, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
Today there are 6 - 8 million dogs and cats entering shelters each year, 3 - 4 are euthenized. I personally believe all pets should be spayed or neutered. There are too many unwanted animals suffering in cold cages while people are breeding their pets to sell, where only 1/2 are sold and the rest end up in shelters!
By stephen Holland
February 19, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
I LOVE PITBULLS:)
By Bobby
February 19, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this
Sterilization of all Pit Bulls brought into the shelters is a bad idea. most PB’s are intimedating to most people looking for a family pet. The county needs to put them[pb’s] down before a human is malled or another animal for that sake.I personally love the beauty of the breed. My friend has a six month pup that plays like my Lab.But the PB pup was a gift from one of his girlfriends that couldn’t care for the pup. So without knowing the breeding of the animal,how would one know ? JMO
By Kristin
February 19, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Cathy, I don’t understand why you’re asking who will adopt them? this is about mandatory sterilization for pitbulls not who will adopt them. I have a pit/sharpei mix and I know several people who own pits and most have adopted them. I think you’re wrong if you think that all people think the breed is bad. most of us are intelligent enough to know that it’s the owners, not the dogs that are creating this situation. the dogs are the real victims here, not us.
By amber
February 19, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
i am a mom of five year old twins i have been around pits all my life so have my boys the only thing that these dogs do wrong is put their life into loving someone and have someone mistreat them as much hate as these dogs can have they have love that is three times as much. please dont blame the dogs blame the owners
By cathy
February 19, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
I have read all the other comments. Some say yes and some say no. No one comes up with a solution with the problem that no one wants to adopt this breed. If the breed is not sterilized and more litters are produced what then? Who will take them? It is the owner’s problem, but who will take them. Is thier any other solution than to sterilize and hope the breed eventially quits producing? If you don’t believe as I do, again I ask who will adopt them?
By mamagino57
February 19, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
I believe in the spaying/neutering of any cat or dog that is not meant specifically for breeding. I have 6 cats and two dogs - and all but the youngest kitten have been fixed (his time is nearly here!). I agree that people are what make an animal mean. The pit bull is no exception. Allow them to live - fix them if they do not belong to a breeder - and require a breeding license for those who want to breed dogs. Make the consequences harsher for those who abuse animals or run puppy farms.
By Kristin
February 19, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this
I think any thing that we can do to stop the euthanization of this poor breed should at least be attempted. Another poster made a great comment that the real problem is that the irresponsible owners aren’t going to get their animals fixed. Heck they won’t take them to the vet for shots or even feed them half the time. Making this the law is wonderful, but let’s see if it’s enforced!! That’s the most important part of the laws that are made.
By SHAWNA HELTON
February 19, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Yes. I feel people should sterlize their pit bulls. But as with everything there should be limiations. What if you plan to breed your animal? If one state requires sterlization, then the next will fall in line. You could be faced over time with elimiation of a breed based on biased opinion and poor animal ownership with failure to control their animal. If you treat any animal properly, they will be loyal and loving creatures. Mistreat them and have the situation we have today.
By Fedup
February 19, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
If you’re going to impose a mandatory spay/neuter on the dogs, why not impose it on the people who own the dogs as well? After all, it isn’t the dog’s fault in how it’s raised. It isn’t like it can go down to the local ACLU office and demand a discrimination lawsuit for fairer treatment! Does this sound totally ridiculous? OF COURSE IT DOES! Any dog who has the misfortune of being funneled through a local shelter should be spayed/neutered, regardless of what breed it is.
By Dawson
February 19, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
I think it’s a great idea. This “breed” needs to be extinguished.
By R Krieger
February 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
I feel that mandatory fixing of a breed should not happen. However pet owners should be having all breeds fixed to control pet problems unless they are breeding for a profit. These owners should them have a kennel license. This creates problem with zoning which needs to be addressed better rather than just requiring large lots. The pit bull is the Target of news items today, yet I can remeber this same type of uproar with German Sherpards,Russian wolfhounds, and Siberian Huskies in the past
By Henry Story
February 19, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
The problem lies with the owners not the dog. I had a part pit/ part boxer who was the most docile dog ever. It is on how you raise these dogs not on the dogs.
By Henry Story
February 19, 2008 8:07 AM | Link to this
The problem lies with the owners not the dog. I had a part pit/ part boxer who was the most docile dog ever. It is on how you raise these dogs not on the dogs.
By PonyVet
February 19, 2008 7:45 AM | Link to this
(cont.) As a member of the veterinary profession AND the owner of a wonderful, goofy pit bull, I must emphasize that pet owner education is important no matter what breed or type of animal you are dealing with. We don’t discourage sex offenders, violent criminals and such from reproducing, so why limit mandatory sterilization to one breed when it’s such a bigger problem than that? Cost is a huge issue so who else is going to step up to help these dogs and the owners that love them?
By PonyVet
February 19, 2008 7:37 AM | Link to this
It’s a great idea to think that mandatory sterilization is the answer, but unfortunately, it’s not. I don’t see how you can limit the sterilization to one breed of dog. Most people can not properly identify an American Pit Bull Terrier, so what are the guidelines in deciding what is considered a pit bull? We tend to profile certain people for owning these dogs, which is completely wrong. The overall problem is owners who will not spay or neuter their dogs REGARDLESS of breed. (continued….)