why are there so many pit bulls in shelters reddit

This means half or nearly half of the nation's pit bulls are seeking homes. Lola, a sweet pit bull rescued as a stray, spent over 400 days in a small-town shelter before transferring to Arizona Humane Society and getting adopted the next day. Shelters say that is not an accurate way to gauge the percentage of pit bulls compared to other dogs in a shelter, because some dog breeds are adopted more quickly and never appear on … They were bred to fight. The state once included pit bull breeds in its definition of “vicious dogs," but a … This is something I am often asked as I stand in the halls of my shelter, where I have worked for five years. Growing up, she had a variety of different dogs but when she was older, she met a “block-headed” dog at a shelter and fell in love. One, overpopulation: Whether it’s backyard breeding or casual breeding or just plain breeding, there’s way too much breeding of Pit Bulls going on. APBT & AmStaff (Pit Bull) Discussion. RELATED STORY: Here’s how this city shelter … Of course, we’ve known for some time about this increased popularity. It still is likely a reason un-aware owners get rid of them. Pit Bulls (some shelters call them terriers to avoid the stigma) are often hard to market because people assume that they came from low-income homes and weren't trained properly and may bite. Many home insurances won't accept them,and your city or town may suddenly registrable them. I don't know how roseclaire didn't know right away, but she (assuming) got one handsome dog. Some just think their ugly and that's the only reason they dislike them. While many of those places are breeding the dogs for aggressive activities, Schiefer said she wants people to know that doesn’t mean the dogs are aggressive. Sorry, this post was deleted by the person who originally posted it. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Why so many unwanted pit bulls? We don't need any more Pit bulls. Most of them are young and healthy. With her personal dogs, Schiefer said she teaches them silly tricks and makes sure they are “Canine Good Citizen” certified. That's fact, but they are no more aggressive or violent than another dog who's been forced to fight his whole life. Lafountain said these types of dogs are one the most commonly bred and that’s partially why there are so many in shelters. Lafountain clarified that pit bulls are not an actual breed but rather a mixed breed of five or six different types of dogs that generally have the same look. “Once people see these are goofy, loving, normal dogs, their perception changes.”. The history of pit bulls back to 1800s in the United Kingdom. Schiefer said she wasn’t always a lover of pit bull breed dogs. “They’re just dogs and want to be loved like any other dog,” she said. There are always dog breed trends and they never really make much sense. There are some insurance companies that won't issue a home owners insurance policy if you have a pit bull. Most have size and breed restrictions. Pit bulls kill 300 people every decade in the United States alone. Partially, but also because people are afraid to adopt them because of their so called "violent" tendencies. they were originally bred from Old English Bulldogs who gained their popularity in the British Isles in a cruel blood sport known as “ bull baiting ”.. in 1835 bear baiting was outlawed by the British Parliament the public turned their attention to dogfighting and “ ratting ”. These dogs are listed as a “terrier mix” on their adoption profile but generally have the look of a square head and sturdy frame. People are more likely to adopt a golden because they have a good reputations. Sadly, the types of reckless idiots who breed pit bulls aren’t responsible or level headed. They are prone to dog aggression. Come to the Shelter Sat. There’s not just one answer to this question. Training & Behavior. New Member Intros. Sometimes the … 1 2. villasis. canine are a contemplated image of their proprietors. “People look at them with preconceived notions,” Schiefer said. They are over bred by back yard breeders. We like to have two of them at all times so they can keep each other company, and protect each other in … New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Pit bulls are very popular. There are a couple of shepherd-type mixes and the rest of the dogs are pit bulls or mastiffs. The Pit Bulls are bred by local kennels that take great pride in the ancestry of their dogs, however, even though dog fighting is illegal here, I'm sure they know that some of their pups are destined for that. Pit bulls are very popular. This is a certification from the American Kennel Club that trains dogs to behave well in community settings. It is very hard to find rentals with them. Ads are what helps us bring you premium content! “You can’t just talk to them about it and say it’s a great dog. Shelters are full of pit bulls for a good reason IT’S not surprising animal shelters are full of pit bulls of one kind or other — they’re bred to fight and bring down prey, writes Claire Harvey. Lafountain said these types of dogs are one the most commonly bred and that’s partially why there are so many in shelters. Breed discrimination has made it incredibly difficult for anyone who rents to find a home that will allow their Pit Bull. Schiefer and Lafountain said they’re not sure if people’s perceptions are changing as quickly as they would like but there are growing efforts to make pit bull breeds more accepted. Pit bull breeds were once banned in many Ohio communities through breed-specific legislation. This article needs to be opened in the browser. They can be high energy and stubborn-too much for some people. Here’s how this city shelter handles impounded animals, ‘Precious babies’: Here’s how many shelter dogs Williamsburg Police has helped to rehome, Here’s an update on that coworking space in Newport News, Doctor admits to writing fake prescriptions for black market. Imagine getting a young Pit bull when mature decides to be aggressive with your older dog or cats? Older dogs have it especially rough. At getting adopted from a shelter? Plus some shelters give them less of a chance to start with. The biggest part of getting those dogs adopted is showing people the good-natured side of their temperament, she said. Although it can also be a reason they don't get them in the first place. It's a bigger responsibility than say a Pomeranian. RELATED STORY: ‘Precious babies’: Here’s how many shelter dogs Williamsburg Police has helped to rehome, “You have to show people, you can’t just tell them,” she said. People dont realize that they have quite a bit of dog and they cant handle it. Probably the biggest reason, however, is breed restrictions in housing. Purebred dogs make up only about 25% of shelter dogs. Pit bulls have become more visible as therapy dogs, police dogs and even plain old goofy pets no different from other dogs, except in how they're treated (including their depressingly high euthanasia rate in shelters). Most of the time, she said she sees separation anxiety in the dogs because they’ve been adopted and dumped so many times. Also, many major cities have extra taxes on pitbulls and other "fighting" dogs to discourage dog fighting and this makes many people not get them to not pay for the tax. Welcome to The REAL Pit Bull Forum! From 2000 to 2009, there were three fatal attacks involving shelter dogs (one pit bull, one breed similar to a pit bull, and one Doberman). Pit bull mixes often retain more pit bull traits. It doesn't appear in any feeds, and anyone with a direct link to it will see a message like this one. “They’re over-bred and bring the money in and the ones that don’t bring the money in are dumped at shelters.”, Schiefer described it as “backyard breeding.”. I applaud people who adopt Pit Bulls (I like all dogs), but I'm pretty certain that most people would choose a breed that's friendlier to adopt. They are everywhere so their are plenty of people willing to adopt them there just isn't enough. They do attract a lot of irresponsible owners and have done for pretty much longer than any existing breed. People are afraid what others would think,or if they had to move. About 60% of the euthanized dogs are pit bulls or pit mixes. People are more likely to adopt a golden because they have a good reputations. Also a golden retriever will not look like one if mixed. The reason there's so many in the shelter is simply because people abuse them to the point that the start hurting people and they have to give them up. Some were killed by the very dogs they rescued from shelters, like Rebecca Carey, 23, of Decatur, Ga., who was mauled by as many as five dogs; two were pit bulls. Pit bull mixes often retain more pit bull traits. Please support this website by adding us to your whitelist in your ad blocker. Rescue Work & … Re: Why are there so many pitbulls in shelters? So if someone had to move out in a month they may end up forced to get rid of their dog. The reason there are so many Chihuahuas in shelters is because they've become more and more popular throughout the century. Likely also why so many refuse to neuter their males but lack the responsibility to take care of a un altered dog. Part of the reason those dogs stay in a shelter for so long is because many apartment complexes or landlords don’t allow the breed. Also a golden retriever will not look like one if mixed. Originally Posted by JD In Van I've worked with dogs over the years and this is a breed that has been both inadvertantly and intentionally bred to maintain all the traits that make it a bad family pet - that pitt bull look (and locking jaw), the dominant behaviors and aggressive body language. So while pit bulls and golden retrievers are both popular guess which one has a better chance at getting in. April 28 from 10-noon, $5 per child. Many apartment complexes have "breed restrictions." Coyotes are cowards, and usually prey on smaller, single animals. Can you believe there are people on this thread saying this isn't a pit bull. Notice a lot of pit bulls in local shelters? “It definitely makes it tougher to adopt the terrier mix breeds because when we do have potential adopters coming in interested in adopting them, oftentimes their apartment [or] place they’re renting won’t allow them,” Lafountain added in an email. But as far as I can tell, there are two primary reasons for Pit Bull intake in shelters being as high as it is. Op-ed: Why so many pit bulls? First, let’s delve into the Pit Bull breeding issue – and let there be no doubt that it is, indeed, an issue. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Tools and programs such as that are just a few of the ways the stigma around pit bulls is changing. Truth: “The reasons why pit bull types end up in shelters are no different than the reasons why every other breed winds up in shelters,” says Stephen DeBono, pet behavior manager at Bideawee. I have seen golden retrievers in shelters. In some ways, there are so many 3-year-old pit bulls, people look over them." ... Pitbulls are in shelters because they were rescued from people who either breed them for dogfighting or sell to people who do dogfighting. A dog that's loyal,athletic but also a good fighter and guard dog,it's like the ultimate multi purpose dog in a not to big or expensive package. Here’s why. Here's Why There Are So Many Pit Bulls In Shelters. When she adopted the dog, she didn’t know it was a pit bull breed but after learning more and realized how many of these types of dogs needed help finding homes, she decided to start a rescue organization. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Yes. It looks like you are opening this page from the Facebook App. iOS: Tap the three dots in the top right, then tap on "Open in Safari". In a few years it’ll be something else. I have fostered over 100 pit bulls for a prominent California rescue (mind you, spread out over 30 years give or take a few) and he could be a poster pup for APBT. Pit Bulls bite more people than all other breeds combined. Of course, we’ve known for some time about this increased popularity. Press J to jump to the feed. So, what kind of scumbags are breeding Pit Bulls, when the shelters are full of them? So are Golden Retrievers...I don't see many Golden Retrievers in shelters. Care, Health & Breeding . She said when those dogs come to her, many of them have heart worms or other health issues because they’re poorly cared for in the places they’re bred. This page is available to subscribers. There’s nothing special or different about pit bulls that makes them popular, it’s just that people see and then people do. "At any given shelter I would say at least third of the dogs are females who've recently been used for breeding," Melillo said. Thanks for the well informed, thoughtful answer. That’s right, one of the big reasons so many Pit Bulls are ending up in shelters is that they’re becoming more and more popular with each passing year. There's coyotes that roam around my neighborhood (Southern California), and so we usually go after medium-sized dogs. It is denied by some Pit bull lovers and sure not all have it. Only 3-4% of all pet dogs are pit bulls but 29% of all shelter dogs are pit bulls or pit mixes. People are less likely to adopt pit bulls because they have bad reputations. Lafountain clarified that pit bulls are not an actual breed but rather a mixed breed of five or six different types of dogs that generally have the same look. There is a reason so many are abandoned. Obviously, if the country’s shelters are full of Pit Bulls waiting to be put down – and if Pit Bulls are being killed at such an insane rate (599 to 1) – there’s too much breeding going on, plain and simple. Basic Forum Info & News. Click here to get the latest news and information delivered to your inbox. She said most shelters will test the dogs for behavioral issues before ever putting them out on the floor for adoption and the issues with pit bull breeds aren’t always aggression. According to data from the Heritage Humane Society, of the total 1,307 animals adopted in 2019, which includes dogs, cats and small pets, 85 were terrier mix breeds or what people would commonly term as pit bulls. I`m not just saying by dog fighters either I've found many people like the aspect of what would be a good fighter even if they have no plans on doing such and think its cruel. About 1.5 – 2 M shelter dogs are euthanized. That’s because those dogs have a stigma associated with them since historically they’ve been bred for fighting or other aggressive activities. Time to ban pit bulls and replace then with golden retrievers, which don’t maul children to death. About three-quarters of dogs in the county’s shelter are pit bulls or pit bull mixes, Martin said. To change their ideas, you have to show them.”, Always be informed. These dogs are listed as a “terrier mix” on their adoption profile but generally have the look of a square head and sturdy frame. r/AskReddit is the place to ask and answer thought-provoking questions. I don’t see the pit bull crisis stopping anytime soon. For one, there's no evidence that pit bulls are, in fact, more dangerous than other dogs. There's reason for optimism. When going to pick out a new dog to adopt, many owners find their options at the shelter are filled with pit bull breeds. The percent of homeless pit bulls is probably over 50% because rescues and shelters falsely advertise two out of ten pit bulls as being some other breed. The economic recession of the last several years no doubt resulted in many former homeowners to have to downsize to an apartment. I think education and awareness would really help the situation. Thank you! I work in a shelter and i cant name how many people drop them off because they expect a poodle and they get a willful stubborn hyperactive animal that they dont know how to control. Android: Tap the Settings icon (it looks like three horizontal lines), then tap App Settings, then toggle the "Open links externally" setting to On (it should turn from gray to blue). Jennifer Lafountain, volunteer and community engagement manager with Heritage Humane Society, said she notices there are definitely a lot more pit bull breeds at shelters typically and they might take longer to get adopted. Because they were bred in such a way that their genes predispose them to wanting to maul other animals (including children) to death. RELATED STORY: Here’s how this city shelter handles impounded animals, “A lot of people want them to fight or to look tough,” said Maria Schiefer, founder of Bully Advocate and Rescue Collective in Hampton Roads. People are amazingly fickle with their dogs and will just get whatever they see other people getting. Issues & Advocacy. Click here to sign in or get access. “The more you can show how great they can be, the harder it is to hold onto those bad ideas.”. Or they’ll have anxiety while in the shelter because it can seem chaotic to them. I looked at the Niagara SPCA website. Dogs rescued by BARC are mainly taken in by foster families until they can find a “forever home.” Schiefer said she also wants the general public to be educated on the loving nature of these dogs. People are less likely to adopt pit bulls because they have bad reputations. "They're often still young, between 3 and 6. That’s right, one of the big reasons so many Pit Bulls are ending up in shelters is that they’re becoming more and more popular with each passing year. Pit Bulls! After an attack, police and newspaper accounts rely on witnesses to accurately identify the attacking dog's breed, a task that studies have found even veterinarians and other animal care professionals can't do with much accuracy . Small dogs are the easiest to adopt out for likely this reason. A lot of low-income people do tend to get pitbulls, perhaps as protection, and many of these people are low-income because they are poor life managers -- thus the dog also ends up poorly trained. There is no central data reporting system for U.S. animal shelters and rescues. 4 years ago. I have seen golden retrievers in shelters. Irresponsible owners refuse to have the dogs neutered, which in turn produces pit-bull mixes, which in turn fills the shelters. And for another, breed identification is nearly impossible. Some people are put off by the barky, and often mean, temperament of the untrained Chihuahua, so off they go to the shelter. 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The responsibility to take care of a un altered dog they cant handle it why so many Pitbulls shelters! To downsize to an apartment and rescues than any existing breed breed pit bulls are in... Idiots who breed pit bulls in shelters because they have quite a bit of and! Comments can not be cast means half or nearly half of the last several no. Because it can also be a reason un-aware owners get rid of them about 60 of. The types of dogs are pit bulls and golden retrievers, which don t! Five years if mixed many Pitbulls in shelters so, why are there so many pit bulls in shelters reddit kind of are! Adopt out for likely this reason always be informed part of getting those adopted. To start with are there so many unwanted pit bulls does n't appear in any feeds, and usually on. Have anxiety while in the halls of my shelter, where I have worked for five years be informed to. Sadly, the types of dogs in the shelter because it can seem chaotic to them about it say... 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Roam around my neighborhood ( Southern California ), and usually prey on smaller single... New comments can not be cast some ways, there are so many shelters... Education and awareness would really help the situation them less of a to... There so many Pitbulls in shelters are less likely to adopt them just...