Mandatory Euthanasia Of The American Pit Bull Terrier

(VI) On the other hand, if you ask people what they think the problems are in regard to American Pit Bulls one of the things that might be stated is over-population. “There is an estimated 3 to 5 million pit bulls in the United States. The term ‘Pit Bull’ encompasses mainly three breeds of dog: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier and the Staffordshire bull terrier”(D’Addio1). I agree that the over-population of the Pit Bull Terrier is a problem, but the answer is not Breed Specific Laws that put all pit bulls into one group whether they are good or bad, or to euthanize them which puts an end to a life. There is a really good way to control the over-population of this breed; the state of Florida could do something similar to what San Francisco is doing it has helped bring the problem under control there. In San Francisco, California “great work is being done to curb the Pit Bull over-population by organizations such as the San Francisco SPCA. The facility offered one month during which all Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes were sterilized free of charge. It went so well that they have extended the program indefinitely. “We know first-hand through previous initiatives the positive efforts like this can have in a community,” says Jeannette Goh, D.V.M., Director of the SFSPCA Spay and Neuter Clinic. “We’re excited to offer this service free of charge from here on out.” San Francisco has a legal requirement that all Pits and Pit-mixes be spayed or neutered because over 60% of the dogs euthanized in the city are Pit Bulls” (D’Addio2).

As for Breed Specific Laws they do not work because they do not deal with the real problem which is irresponsible dog owners. The state of Florida could set up an agency to deal with just Pit Bulls Terriers and Pit Bull-mixes. Where by law the owners of a dog of this type breed had to register their dog or dogs, this would produce a list of every pit bull and pit bull type dog in the state. Files could then be created on those dogs that have reported incidents. In this way the dogs that truly are dangerous can be monitored better, as well as keeping tabs on their owners, because after all, these dogs did not get their bad attitudes by themself. The state can take part of the Breed Specific Laws and apply them to the new agency as the agency’s regulations; all owners would have to abide by these regulations because they are still state laws. The dogs that are deemed dangerous could be checked on four to six times a year depending on the level of danger the dog imposes. An employee of the agency can go to the registered address where the dog is being kept, to make sure that the dog/dogs are being kept in accordance with the laws and cared for properly, as well as making sure the dog/dogs are not being abused or neglected. Those that truly are family pets can be checked the same way, but they would only have to be checked on once or twice a year.

Another reason that so many Pit Bulls are euthanized is due to shelter over-crowding, when a shelter is needing kennel space pit bulls are the first ones to be euthanized, this comes in part because the shelters refuse to put Pit Bulls up for adoption. The state could open and run a shelter just for Pit Bulls, where employees have time to do background checks and investigate those that want to adopt a pit bull. The state could make it mandatory the adoptee to take classes with their new pet in obedience training and socialization. This would benefit the new owner in learning how to handle the dog properly so there are no incidents involving their new pet. That way the state could make a little money and Pit Bulls get a chance at finding a forever home and family.

(VII) Granted there are problems when it comes to the American Pit Bull Terrier, but they are not problems that cannot be solved. The breed’s over-population can be solved with sterilization programs. And a way to stop shelter euthanasia or at least slow it down would be to have educational programs to educate the public about the Pit Bull Terrier. To try and dispel the fears many people have about the breed and to encourage people to adopt them. Put Pit Bulls that are in the shelters up for adoption and require the new owners to attend classes for the care and up-bringing of the Pit bull. That way they know how to do a good and proper job caring for their pet so there will be no incidents involving the dog. Something has to happen soon, if things keep going like they are the American Pit Bull Terrier will continue to be unjustly prosecuted without due process, and the sentence of mandatory euthanasia which is very wrong will continue as well.