It's Maryann again. I read this article this morning and I've been fuming ever since so I thought I'd share. ;)
http://www.itchmo.com/dog-breed-profiling-results-in-pit-bulls-euthanized-at-texas-animal-shelter-2536
"Johnson stated she doesn’t think there any good pit bulls."
OK, when the PRESIDENT OF A HUMANE SOCIETY makes a comment like this I think it's time to look for a new president. The Director agreed with her so that's another position that should be up for grabs.
"Since March 2004, the Erath County Humane Society automatically euthanizes pit bulls or dogs that look like pit bulls without giving them a chance for adoption and a new home."
"Kathy Tompson, program specialist for the Tarrant County Humane Society of the U.S. said, “In Texas we have a state law against breed specific legislation. We are against breed specific legislation in all ways.” The center recently held a class on pit bulls and how to “tell which are adoptable and those that are not.” Tompson said no one from the Erath County Humane Society attended the seminar."
Well, of course they didn't. You wouldn't want to actually open your mind to the fact that there could be a better way. I know it's not just Erath County Humane Society that does this, but come on. There are laws in place to keep this from happening however it seems they don't apply to some.
I've never owned a Pit Bull - but I would in a heartbeat if the situation arose. It's not just the Pits either, it's all the other breeds considered dangerous. It's irresponsible, ignorant people that are the problem and a society that tolerates the behavior. IMO people in rescue and the shelter system are in the PERFECT position to educate the public and help change the tide of the way breed specific prejudice is going. Break the pattern of thinking before the children today grow up with the same beliefs and practices that have put us in this position to begin with. Having someone in such a position as President of a "Humane Society" that would make such blanket comments is a shame and embarrassment to those they serve.
I know I'm ranting and it's not just in defense of Pits. It's in defense of any dog that is discriminated against as a whole because of the actions of some. ESPECIALLY since these actions are usually the result of lack of human responsibility. Actions of the minority do not define the whole.
What a joke.
7 comments:
There are no bad dogs. Only bad owners.
Poppy
Some shelters euthanize wires because they are dog aggressive. Gussie is "dog aggressive" until he becomes acquainted with the other dog. Witness the fact that he tolerates Teka! Pit Bulls get a bad rap. I'd rather have a pit bull than Michael Vick any day.
Gussie's Muzzer
Kudos to you and your blog! I agree! All dogs should be given a chance and not just discriminated against because of breed.
XOXO
Dog Lover
JEEZ--that is so MADDENING! How can people at a Humane society be so...ignorant? Sigh.
And it could be any breed! In the past they have targeted Sheps, St. Bernards, Rottenweillers, etc. etc. Hell, in one area in Canada they were targeting LABS (because they had the most bites. Because they outnumbered all other dogs. Duh).
And frankly this really angers me because, seriously, maulings by dogs are relatively rare. PEOPLE are doing much worse things to EACH OTHER. Someone do something about that! Neuter the morons!
The ma ape says I have to calm down. My ticker, you know.
wally.
Thank you for your blog. I live in Tennessee and volunteered at a humane shelter here. They have the same policy against pit bulls. No dog even makes it to the behavior test if it looks anything like a pitbull or a wolf. Everyone thinks that my black lab is mixed with pit and he isn't...judging what a mix is made of is impossible!!! I completely agree with you. It is such crap!
What makes it even sadder is that it is not only not the dogs fault, but in a way not even the shelters fault. It is the asshole people who "search out" these types of dogs...the Michael Vicks of the world. At least the shelter dogs don't end up in the fighting ring. That's what I have to tell myself. My only comfort is that God has a special place in hell for those people. He gave us rule over all living things to care for them...not to abuse them!!!
that is just evi, pure evil! I think that stupid people like that woman should be euthonized.
Humans are bad, not dogs
Frenchie Snorts
Balboa
It's sad that a small amount of BAD PEOPLE have made such a bad name for some dogs. It's just terrible.
Omaha Humane Society does the same thing, euthanizes any that come in. There is a terrible problem here with dog fights, so they will not adopt any out.
Holly
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