22 May 2014

Dr. Emily Weiss on an increasing pit-bull popularity

Dr. Emily Weiss, a Certified Applied Animal Behaviouralist with the American SPCA (ASPCA) recently spoke out about the increasing popularity of pit-bull type dogs and their fate when it comes to humane and rescue.

In an ASPCA blog post, Weiss' research indicates that while pit-bull type breeds are the third most adopted breed (according to data from over 30 American shelters), they are also relinquished and euthanized at a much higher rate than other breeds.

"Maybe we do not have an adoption program but instead we have a volume issue. One-third more pit bulls enter than the next highest intake breed type," said Weiss in her post. "Why are they coming in at such a higher volume? Given the level of popularity - number five most popular with Banfield clients - we would anticipate they would not be the number one intake type."

Weiss hypothesized that part of the problem lies with the difficulty of finding housing that will allow pit-bull type breeds. 

With these conflicting numbers, Weiss asked for feedback and experiences from the pet industry and pet owners. She expressed a desire and determination to find a solution to a problem faced by shelters across the country as well as the dogs themselves. 


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