Pit Bulls are the Most Common Dogs in Municipal Shelters Nationwide
Pit bulls are the most common dogs in municipal shelters nationwide, which is ironic considering pit bulls really aren’t a recognized breed.
They are identified primarily through physical attributes such as blocky heads, and muscular statures, which is subjective at best. It is estimated that 1 million pit bulls are killed in shelters each year, equating to about 93% euthanasia rate for this specific type of dog.
It is also estimated that only 1 in 600 pits in a shelter will hit the lottery, and find their forever home.
So why are there so many pitties in shelters? Good question. It appears there are several contributing factors. Many unaltered pit bulls are left chained up outside, resulting in a plethora of accidental litters from intact dogs passing by.
Breed specific laws banning animals from cities simply because of their breed, and not based on the individual animal, further contribute to the challenge of adopting pit bulls out.
Dog fighting rings are a source of homeless pits, once they no longer achieve desired results.
Perhaps the most challenging obstacle of all that pibbles need to overcome is public perception. Most people associate pit bulls with dog fighting.
While this may be a part of their history, they are so much more than that. They are wonderful working dogs, and make excellent companions.
They have a loving and loyal demeanor with people, and a special affinity for children. Pit bulls are among some of the most even tempered, human loving dog breeds. They are playful, eager to please, athletic, loyal, affectionate, and intelligent.
If you have not had any experience with a pit bull, please take the time to meet one. There are so many wonderful pit mix dogs available. Meeting the right pit mix for you, you can’t help but fall in love.
They have amazingly soulful eyes, that penetrate deep into your soul, imploring you to love them the same way they love you.
