A 13WHAM News investigation “Disposable Dogs” has taken a closer look at the explosion of back yard breeding of this breed which results in the euthanasia of about a thousand dogs a year at Rochester Animal Control.
The numbers are likely much higher when you consider Lollypop Farm and other private shelters. We were saddened to learn that these dogs, while put down humanely, end up in plastic garbage bags in landfills. Many of them are puppies.
Rochester is not the only community dealing with this backyard breeding issue. Chicago, Albany, and Las Vegas are struggling to find ways to curb this problem. One suburb of Los Angeles is offering free sterilization for dog owners. San Francisco has enacted a mandatory sterilization law for the breed.
Each year from a third to nearly one half of the total pit bull population in the U.S. will end up in a shelter. Think of that. Nearly one of every two pit bulls will go to a shelter!
Once there, their only salvation may come from a pit bull rescue group. Nationwide, for every one that finds a loving home, 600 will be euthanized.
Typically these dogs come to a shelter after a short, sad life. On average they’re 18 months old and have already had three homes: their birth home, the home they are sold to, and one (or more) pass-along homes that took in the dogs after problems developed in the first home.
Two of every three pit bulls what wind up in a shelter were surrendered not by the person who purchased them (thus creating the demand on the street for these back yard breeders) but by a family member or friend who ended up with the dog.
Most of the dogs euthanized here are healthy and otherwise could lead long lives. Except that they are born a pit bull or mixed breed pit bull. This situation will not correct itself without a coordinated community effort.
If you need a greater incentive – check out the heart breaking photos of a mother and her eight puppies during their last moments of life, and as they are being being euthanized,
Weigh in, share your thoughts. Let's get this discussion started.
Jane Flasch, Reporter
