Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Program History
Too many pit bulls.
Too many in the shelters, too many who are never adopted. Worry, frustration, and sadness for these forgotten animals -- was not enough. What could we do? How could we change what was happening to this breed?
Why do we even care? Most of the pitties showing up at our shelters are amazing creatures. They act like they’ve never had a bad day in their lives. Sweet-natured family pets who bond deeply, pit bulls give their people nothing but affection and loyalty, even to the point of death. In the horrendous world of fighting, these dogs go obediently into the ring and allow themselves to be torn apart, time and time again, until their lives are finally snuffed out or they are deserted, broken and bruised, the victims of some very bad people who exploit their loyalty to commit unconscionable acts. The dogs are not the problem.
In 2003, the problem was there were so many more pit bulls than responsible owners. How could we reduce the overwhelming number of pitties coming into the shelter? Was it even possible? A-PAL thought it was and had an idea to try a FREE spay/neuter program for all Amador County pit bulls. The program would, for a set period of time, gauge community response and give an idea of the long-range costs. Considering the relatively high cost of spay and neuter surgery, it was not a given that the program could even be afforded.
Pilot programs were conducted in 2003 and 2004.The programs required only that participating people be Amador County residents with pit bulls or pit bull mixes. All five county veterinary clinics participated and generously reduced their fees to help make the programs possible. Would pit bull owners respond? Twenty-four dogs were signed up through 2004, and it looked like the program was going to be successful. In 2005, the Pit Bull Free Spay/Neuter Program became one of A-PAL’s official programs. That same year, thirty more dogs were scheduled to be altered.
To date, 858 pit bulls have been signed up for the program, including 74 so far in 2014. And the numbers are growing. Our hope is that they will continue to increase well into the future, resulting in a significant reduction of pit bulls at the shelter. In the meantime, A-PAL will remain committed to supporting these amazing dogs and getting them out of the shelters and into their forever HOMES.
Too many in the shelters, too many who are never adopted. Worry, frustration, and sadness for these forgotten animals -- was not enough. What could we do? How could we change what was happening to this breed?
Why do we even care? Most of the pitties showing up at our shelters are amazing creatures. They act like they’ve never had a bad day in their lives. Sweet-natured family pets who bond deeply, pit bulls give their people nothing but affection and loyalty, even to the point of death. In the horrendous world of fighting, these dogs go obediently into the ring and allow themselves to be torn apart, time and time again, until their lives are finally snuffed out or they are deserted, broken and bruised, the victims of some very bad people who exploit their loyalty to commit unconscionable acts. The dogs are not the problem.
In 2003, the problem was there were so many more pit bulls than responsible owners. How could we reduce the overwhelming number of pitties coming into the shelter? Was it even possible? A-PAL thought it was and had an idea to try a FREE spay/neuter program for all Amador County pit bulls. The program would, for a set period of time, gauge community response and give an idea of the long-range costs. Considering the relatively high cost of spay and neuter surgery, it was not a given that the program could even be afforded.
Pilot programs were conducted in 2003 and 2004.The programs required only that participating people be Amador County residents with pit bulls or pit bull mixes. All five county veterinary clinics participated and generously reduced their fees to help make the programs possible. Would pit bull owners respond? Twenty-four dogs were signed up through 2004, and it looked like the program was going to be successful. In 2005, the Pit Bull Free Spay/Neuter Program became one of A-PAL’s official programs. That same year, thirty more dogs were scheduled to be altered.
To date, 858 pit bulls have been signed up for the program, including 74 so far in 2014. And the numbers are growing. Our hope is that they will continue to increase well into the future, resulting in a significant reduction of pit bulls at the shelter. In the meantime, A-PAL will remain committed to supporting these amazing dogs and getting them out of the shelters and into their forever HOMES.