Dear Dr. Rodrigo Silva and the MCACC board of directors,

    Adopters, rescuers, behaviorists, trainers, shelter volunteers, and pit bull lovers alike, are distraught by the number of pit bulls and mixes entering our shelters everyday. We all try tirelessly to advocate for these dogs so they can get out of the shelter alive and achieve the birthright of every dog, to be loved by human companions. However, we feel that the breed description label that is placed on every single dog's kennel that looks even remotely pit bull-like is significantly hindering their chances at adoption/rescue.

 

      For example this is the description placed on all dogs that have features similar to a Staffordshire Bull Terrier:

"This breed is known to shed. It's grooming requirements are periodic. Its energy level outdoors is active. Its energy level indoors is very active. In general, this breed is NOT RECOMMENDED (in caps) with children. This breed is dominant and may chase other animals. This breed is not suited for apartment living. The breeds trainability / obedience is noted as poor. This breeds level of alertness is noted as very alert. This breed should be exercised at least 3 times per day"

 

     There is no factual basis for the claim that Staffordshire Bull Terriers or American Staffordshire Terriers are not good with children at the breed level. Dogs are first and foremost individuals but temperament tolerance tests conducted by the American Temperament Test Society have actually indicated both breeds were more tolerant than mixed breeds and scored well above the average of the general dog population. Obviously, any dog can be a threat to children or animals when not properly socialized or when children are not taught to respectfully interact with pets. That being said, all dogs are individuals and should be treated as such.

     This description concerns us for several other reasons as well. Suggesting that pit bulls cannot thrive in a apartment setting, is not only untrue but we also fear this will encourage owners to relinquish their pets if they move from a house to an apartment.

     In addition, while we do agree that the group of breeds categorized as pit bulls tend to be athletic, this really is a plus and should be promoted that way rather than sounding like a chore. Market these dogs to people with active lifestyles (i.e. hikers, campers, joggers, bikers) Also, exercise can mean many things, including but not limited to walks. Many play and game activities are also great ways of keeping your pet from getting mental and physically bored.

     On a side note, senior animals should never be labeled this way and in fact should be promoted as dogs that have modest exercise needs. Most seniors of any breed, just want a soft place to sleep, light exercise/play, and someone to love. Placing a description like this on their kennels just adds another level of difficulty to their chances of adoption.

     It is our hope that you remove this description from their kennels and either replace it with a more accurate one written by an expert on the breed(s) or alternatively just give general advice for adopters for any dog settling into a new home. Even if a breed description could accurately capture the diversity in dog personalities within it, breed identification at the shelter is likely poor at best. As recent genetic breed testing has shown, breed identification based on phenotype (appearance), is often highly inaccurate.

     We know it is your mission to constantly improve the save rate of animals in your care. The new Day Hike adoption program you have instituted is a great way to showcase the beauty of all pit bull-like dogs. In this light, we truly hope you consider removing this description from kennels as it is counterproductive to your other more progressive ideas. Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope both the shelter and rescue community can continue to evolve and work together to help save more dogs (and cats too).

 

 

American Temperament Test Society

http://atts.org/tt-test-description/

 

Pitbull Identication in Animal Shelters http://www.maddiesfund.org/Documents/Resource Library/Incorrect Breed Identification Study Poster.pdf