Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes are the most prevalent type of dog entering shelters across America. If these statistics don’t shock us into working on creative solutions to help these dogs, the Pit Bull will continue to pay the ultimate price, its life!
- Shelters in large cities across the nation report a “pit bull” population of anywhere from 40% to 60%. The national average being 33%.
- About 75% of municipal shelters euthanize Pit Bulls immediately upon intake, without even a chance at adoption.
- Studies estimate that up to 1 million Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes are euthanized per year, or 2800 per day.
- A study by Animal People reports a 93% euthanasia rate for Pit Bulls and only 1 in 600 Pit Bulls finding a forever home. That is correct, 1 in 600!
- Pit Bulls are the most abused, misused and killed type of dog in the US today.
The euthanasia estimates above don’t include the misery and deaths these dogs face as the #1 dog-fighting breed. Dogs that don’t die fighting in the ring often suffer excruciating abuse, neglect, abandonment and eventually death, even worse than humane euthanasia.
- Animal shelters are NOT to blame.
- The staff who have to choose which dogs to put down are NOT to blame.
- Those who carry out the humane euthanization are NOT to blame.
The problem is that there are too many Pit Bulls and not enough homes and people willing to adopt them. Stereotypes, laws, irresponsible owners and breeders cause these dogs the ultimate price – their lives!
Oklahoma Alliance for Animals’ “Pawsitively Pits” campaign is designed to help educate people about pit bulls. It will take everyone’s help to give the “Pit Bull” a brighter future. To sponsor a spay/neuter of a pittie in need, please donate here. All donations are tax deductible.