Thursday, August 11, 2005
Pit Bull Hall
It always feels good when they get it right.We held a press conference yesterday to announce the launch of Pit Bull Hall. It's a difficult topic, and an emotional one for some in the community: what to do about pit bulls?
There are bad pit bulls out there. The amount of breeding going on in the community is insane. But we are not ready to condemn a whole breed of dog to death, without taking into account the ones that are good. The dogs with stable temperaments, sweet disposition and no human aggression -- like Mikey, Eva and Santi -- should have a chance at a home, we believe. It should be a home that understands the breed traits and strength, and is prepared to handle the negative aspects of having a pit bull, such as discrimination in housing, or even in just the looks you might get in the neighborhood.
Will Pit Bull Hall work? We hope so. It seems like it will. It is a way to educate on the needs of the breed while showcasing great dogs. Maybe the East Bay SPCA will become the place to get a really great pit. Maybe it will cause a few people who were thinking of getting back yard bred pit bull puppies to instead adopt a tested, thoroughly evaluated adult pit bull. Maybe the person who already adopted one will find the help they need to see if its a good dog.
Or not. It's worth a try. And if it doesn't work, we'll try something else.
There are a lot of dogs out there without homes. Unless as a community we agree they don't deserve to live because of their breed, we have to reduce the number of homeless ones, and we can only do that by preventing their birth and by increasing adoptions.
And the media got it right: they came and reported the story and what we are trying to do. I hope they check back with us.
