Pop Rocks the Poppycat

August 29^th marks the 4 year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating blow to the southern United States.  Not only was it the deadliest and most destructive hurricane in US history, also identifying a serious weakness in the Country’s preparedness for such a natural disaster, but it also uncovered the lack of incorporation of animals into the emergency services system. 

Roughly 600,000 pets were killed or displaced as a result of Hurricane Katrina. 

Despite the devastating results to the animals impacted by Hurricane Katrina there are countless heartwarming stories involving pet rescue efforts of the hundreds of people who responded to this crisis.  Over 8,000 pets left behind were rescued by selfless and heroic people who recognized the importance of an animal’s life and the devastating impact to the families who were forced to leave their pets behind. 

Wilkinson Public Library in Telluride is hosting an incredible documentary entitled: “An American Opera, The Greatest Pet Rescue Story Ever”.  It is billed as, “A tribute, and an honest inquiry into the human-animal relationship and how delicate that bond really is” and includes heartbreaking and heart-warming coverage of the abandoned pets of Hurricane Katrina.  It was the Official Selection for 24 film festivals on 4 continents and the winner of the Gold Camera Award at the U.S. International Film Festival.

The special screening of this film will take place on Monday August 31^st at 5:30 PM at the Wilkinson Public Library and will be followed by a Q & A session with one of the film makers.  Second Chance will be on site starting at noon with the Mobile Mutts & Meows RV filled with adoptable rescue pets from the Ridgway Shelter.  Telluride Film Festival will be outfitting the Library Program room with theatre seating and the Library will be offering movie treats.  The entire event is free to the public.

The painful lessons learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina did lead to a positive result when US Representative Tom Lantos (D-California) introduced The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS) which requires states seeking FEMA assistance to accommodate pets and service animals in their plans for evacuating residents facing disasters. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority on May 22, 2006.

My name is “Pop Rocks” one of the many kittens rescued by Second Chance.  I greatly appreciate the efforts of Wilkinson Public Library and Program Coordinator Scott Doser in bringing this amazing film and filmmaker to our area.  It shall be a powerful evening.  If not adopted by August 31^st I will be at this event looking for my new family – please stop by the Mobile Mutts & Meows RV to meet me and/or my sheltermates!

Side note: In 2005 Second Chance supported the efforts of Pagosa Springs Humane Society to transport about 100 pets rescued from the disaster sight of New Orleans .  Of those pets many were eventually reunited with their parents, including “Sugar” who was fostered in Telluride until her parents were found after they relocated to Texas.  Other pets, whose parents were unable to be tracked, were adopted by their foster parents.  Second Chance Humane Society is grateful to all the families that came forward to provide homes for these traumatized animals. 

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Lucky Loves to Dance!

Second Chance Humane Society just revised its mission statement to read: Safeguarding Animals and Promoting Responsible Pet Parenting & the Human-Animal Bond.  Recent Pet Column’s have promoted the concept of pet “parenting” which reflects a more respectful human-animal relationship while emphasizing  the great “parenting” responsibility involved in this kind of relationship that is lacking in pet“ownership”.  This Pet Column will be highlighting varying aspects of such responsibilities today and in coming weeks.

A first consideration of being responsible as a pet parent is in assuring the general safety and well-being of your pets and recognizing they typically can’t discern whether certain toys and food are truly safe.  Although toys are important for your pet’s enrichment and mental stimulation, particularly when needing to be kept occupied when left alone at home, many are not safe for pets.  It is up to you to make safe choices for your pets that include:

-Choosing toys that are the appropriate size for your pet, and not choking hazards. 

-Stick to toys designed specifically for pets, as children’s toys aren’t made for the strong jaws and sharp teeth of your pets. 

- Avoid giving your pets sticks, wooden toys, and cooked bones which can splinter and cause damage to a pet’s teeth and mouth, choking, ulcers and intestinal perforations.

- Give your pets safer bones and toys made of hard rubber and nylon.

- Do not allow your pets to chew towels, socks, shoes, and other articles of clothing which (aside from ruining a nice outfit) can be swallowed in part or whole causing intestinal obstructions.
- Do not allow your dog to chew rocks, in addition to damaging the mouth and teeth, can block the intestines if swallowed.
- Throw away small pieces of chews so your pets don’t swallow then, potentially causing chocking or intestinal obstruction.

-Dogs in particular love squeaky toys and can become obsessive with removing the “squeak” from the center of the toy.  These toys should only be provided under supervision and once the “squeaker” is abstracted should be taken away.  The plastic material of the “squeaker” has led to serious injury and/or death of dogs who have consumed the entire piece. 

The best approach is using “parental” commonsense, just because we are having fun chewing something up does not mean we should be allowed to continue.  My name is Lucky, a fun-loving Border Collie mix here at the Second Chance Shelter.  I love to play with anyone and anything so I do hope that my new parent is careful about what I am allowed to play with.  I am happiest just dancing about with people and dogs, so if you are the lucky person to adopt me you will also be adopting a lifelong dance partner.  Come to the Shelter for a dance today!

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Buffett likes beaches and (virgin) margaritas

My name is Buffett (named after some guy who sings about Margaritas and beaches) and I would like to invite all of you to participate in my Baby Shower!  It is being sponsored by the Second Chance Humane Society Shelter for the 28 kittens, like myself, who are temporarily residing here in preparation for our adoptions.  Before we can be adopted we need our vaccinations, microchips, spay/neuter surgeries, and a great deal of daily care, this is where the Baby Shower comes in…

Second Chance has teamed up again with Denver-based The Wags And Menace Foundation (www.wagsandmenace.org) to raise money and supplies for all the kitten and puppy litters at the Shelter.  The Wags And Menace Foundation President, Cindy Lee, (and CEO – Baxter the dog) generously pledged matching funds for all donations to this special Baby Shower.  What a great opportunity for animal lovers to make a difference! 

How much you contribute to the Baby Shower is optional but with matching funds from Wags & Menace your contribution will have double the impact.  For example, when donating half the costs for a kitten spay/neuter surgery and vaccination ($40), The Wags And Menace Foundation will contribute the rest.  (Another example would be that by donating $80 two kittens will be spay/neutered and vaccinated after the matching funds are applied,) Whatever you decide to contribute – it will make a big difference for the young and loveable Shelter “babies” such as me.

Once we are all ready for adoption, the issue of there being so many of us seeking loving forever homes will remain.  Thus, Second Chance is offering two kitten adoptions for the price of one for the month of August.  When adopting kittens there are many positive reasons to adopt two rather than one, (constant companionship for the adoptees being a big one) and this opportunity makes a double adoption very affordable. 

Although all the latest litters of puppies have been recently adopted, Second Chance is accepting donations for puppy litters too, as it won’t be long before there are more puppies also in need of medical care, food, and shelter.  You can also donate toys, treats, and bedding for puppies and kittens or you can donate funds directly on-line at www.secondchancehumanesociety.org (or call 626.2273 for more information).

This may be a great time to offer a reminder of the Second Chance Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance Program.  This program provides financial assistance to those unable to afford the cost of spay/neutering your pets, just contact Second Chance about obtaining a voucher.  28 homeless kittens is the largest number ever received at the Shelter and only through prevention will this not happen again.

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.   Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Scout searching for Love...

Recently the Second Chance Humane Society Pet Column discussed findings that dogs need to be parented in a similar fashion to other adolescents, with consistency and boundaries.  Additionally, like juveniles, dogs need to learn is how to manage frustration.  Dogs that have not learned this are the ones whose emotions quickly turn from frustration to rage and aggression.  Although many trainers would respond that a dog that easily reacts through rage needs to learn submission, what is really needed is impulse control. 

Animal behaviorists such as Temple Grandin (a popular one amongst us shelter dogs) and Patricia McConnell (whose book “For the Love of a Dog” is one of my favorites) have found that dogs considered most healthy and emotionally balanced begin learning and developing impulse control from early puppyhood.  Learning to accept being crawled upon and pushed away from the food source by other siblings while nursing is an example of good frustration tolerance.  As such, dogs that are isolated and under- socialized (particularly in their early years) can develop a very low tolerance to frustration which can very negatively impact dog’s temperament.

Dogs that develop impulse control are safe dogs and what humans would consider “friendlier” dogs – the kind that you can take to the park and won’t bite a child that comes running over and lunges at the dog in an attempt to embrace it.  Thus one of the key factors in training impulse control is socialization, for in varying social situations you can train your dog to tolerate frustration. 

So technically, the various training techniques that you hear about for establishing a submissive dog are actually about building this level of tolerance.  By requiring your dog to sit at the door before entering or exiting it, and by taking food away from him without him growling, he learns that he can’t always have it “his” way.  He also learns that this is ok.

Training in impulse control is also important for addressing hyperactivity.  Training the hyper dog to “wait” and “stay” before retrieving a thrown Frisbee is an example of training for frustration tolerance and will lead to a much more controllable dog. 

I am not saying that all the trainers that tell dog parents they have to be dominant and teach their dogs submission are wrong but you may want to consider what would happen if you were to shift your focus away from getting your dog to submit and toward handling frustration.  Shifting your focus in this direction will shift your behavior when training your dog and dogs learn best from modeling their parents or adult role models – in the wild or in the house. 

If you are teaching your dog by yelling, stomping your feet, yanking or using physical force you are teaching him to use the same approach when frustrated.  Remaining calm and in control of your own emotions allows your dog to learn to do the same and allows further learning to occur.  Please also remember that individual temperaments will make these lessons easier or more difficult for different dogs but consistency and patience will pay off much more than negative punishment.

My name is Scout and I am a five year old Border Collie/Aussie mix looking for someone willing to receive the lifetime abundance of love I have to offer.  I am also very bright and with consistency and boundaries I can learn anything.

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Sara says Mobile Adoptions are Swell!

Summer is in full swing and so is the Mobile Adoption season.  That means that the Second Chance Humane Society’s Mobile Mutts & Meows RV (or should we call it the AV for Animal Vehicle?) is on the road.  What does that mean for the Pet Column readers?  It means if you aren’t able to get to the Second Chance Shelter in Ridgway to adopt new love into your life – we are coming to you. 

Second Chance is the only humane society serving San Miguel and Ouray Counties, and the distance to the Ridgway shelter can make a long drive for residents in communities like Telluride, Norwood, or Mountain Village.  Transporting homeless pets like me to different community events and festivities throughout both counties increases our accessibility to the public and often times helps us to find a new home when otherwise we would be sitting at the shelter waiting for someone to come to us.

You can find Mobile Mutts & Meows at the Telluride & Ridgway Farmers Markets as well as at various festivals and larger public venues such as the Ski Swaps in the autumn.  Also if you are hosting an event that you think would make a great setting for adoptions please give us a call at 979.626.2273. 

I personally, as the cutest kitten at the shelter, look forward to cruising in the AV soon.  Not only does it expand homeless pet’s exposure to the public but it also gives us a fun day outside of the shelter environment where we are ooohed and aaahhed upon by all sorts of interesting people.  I hope to see you out there!

My name is Sara and I am one of many homeless kittens currently awaiting my new family here at the Second Chance Shelter.  Life is short, Adopt a Cat.

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Amy prefers Parent to Alpha

Two weeks ago the Second Chance Humane Society Pet Column explored a new way of thinking about dog training based upon Temple Grandin’s new book, Animals Make Us Human.  Grandin introduced research identifying that in the wild wolves do not naturally function through wolf packs structured by dominance hierarchies but from peaceful family units.  We were left wondering whether dogs might be better suited to live with parental figures rather than alpha pack leaders?  (See the Second Chance website, www.secondchancehumanesociety.org, to review previous Pet Columns.)

The answer to this inquiry is complicated further by the fact that dogs are essentially juvenile wolves.  What is meant by this is that genetically, dogs went through a form of arrested development (called pedomorphosis) in the process of evolving from wolves to the domesticated dog.  The mere physical appearance of most dogs, which maintains a youthful puppyish appearance, is testimony to this pedomorphosis.

In fact studies have shown that, with a few exceptions, the less “wolfy” in appearance dogs are the less wolf behaviors they display.  For instance the facial features of the Cavalier King Charles, which maintains a puppy-like appearance through adulthood, display the least wolf-like behaviors (note that these behaviors are not considered bad attributes as they cover both aggressive and submissive behaviors) of the breeds studied.  (The Siberian Husky, a very “wolfy”-looking dog, displays the most wolf-like behaviors.)

So does the reality that dogs are juvenile wolves which, in their natural state, are raised in a family rather than a pack mean that you should throw out your training books on establishing an alpha role with your dogs?  Does it mean you should no longer watch The Dog Whisperer?

The conclusion to this inquiry was quite agreeable to the philosophy of the Pet Column.  Yes, dogs are like adolescents and need to be treated as such, not necessarily because they will step into the alpha role if you don’t, but like any adolescent – they will become out of control and unruly if they are not provided with clear boundaries and rules of acceptable behaviors. 

Juvenile humans and dogs need good parents that set limits and teach their children how to behave properly.  So whether you consider yourself a dog alpha or a dog parent, your dog will never become a true adult thinker and you need to maintain clear limits for their lifetime.  You have to be in charge or you will find you have an out of control juvenile ruling the household.  And parents who meet with the best success, with both children and pets, know that being firm does not mean you have to use physical punishment.

My name is Amy, a young yet very well mannered girl here at the Second Chance Shelter.  I do have some very “petite wolfish” looks and consider myself to be more of a “responsible and mature” juvenile wolf who would transition well into any household.  My easy going demeanor lends a calming effect upon the more rambunctious dogs here at the shelter and my “travel-sized” and athletic physique make me the perfect family/outdoor-lover’s dog.

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Sarabi the work of art...

Dear Pet Column,

 

I noticed that Second Chance Humane Society is hosting a new event at the Telluride Conference Center this month called “Paws for Art,  which looks like a great event that I will be attending, but I am wondering if you are still hosting the Telluride Fur Ball this year as well?

Sincerely, Fur Ball Fan

Dear Fur Ball Fan,

In a year where every dollar matters more than ever, Second Chance wanted to try a fresh new approach to its singular fundraising event within San Miguel County.   The Fur Ball, an event that allowed dog parents a uniquely fun “night on the town” with their dogs limited the demographic appeal to our event which supported our shelter programs and operations.  Thus, we decided to broaden the nature of the event to beyond that of dogs and their parents.  Paws for Art makes it possible for all variations of animal lovers to attend our fun event.  In fact, anyone looking for an entertaining way to support a very excellent cause will want to attend this new and dynamic event!

Paws for Art debuts Saturday, July 18 at the Telluride Conference Center in Mountain Village from 4-7 PM.  The highlights feature silent and live auctions as well as a complimentary wine, beer and delectable hors d’oeuvres for only $35.00 per ticket!  There will also be lively music to accompany the evening performed by Tony Rosario (a national caliber professional musician who performs soulful and energetic music) and DJ Antone will be setting the mood in between with his wide array of tunes.

To further “freshen” the event (and cut overall expenses), Paws for Art will not be serving dinner but has scheduled the event to fall at the pre-dinner hours of 4-7 PM so that guests can take advantage of the complimentary wine (4-6 PM) and beer, and cash bar all evening, and bid on some wonderful art and other auction items before heading out to dinner elsewhere.

So to best answer your question, Fur Ball Fan, although dogs will not be attending this event, animal lovers of all kinds will, as well as those just wanting an enjoyable evening that supports a great purpose.   (As the only local non-profit humane society in the region, Second Chance Humane Society rescues and re-homes hundreds of pets each year as well as offers numerous community services such as a Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance Program).

Tickets are available at the door and you can call Event Planner Lisa Katz at 970.729.2586 or email her at: lisa@secondchancehumanesociety.com for further information.  We are still enrolling volunteers who are interested in supporting this event in exchange for free admittance.

My name is Sarabi a gorgeous 3 month kitten here at the Second Chance Shelter.  I am excited about Paws for Art as I am hoping that my photo will be selected as an auction item.  I think it will bring in some good money – as I consider myself a true work of art!  Come meet me today…

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Jody the bookworm

A major aspect of the mission of Second Chance Humane Society is about promoting the human-animal bond.  Second Chance feels that in recognizing this natural bond people will ultimately become more responsive to the physical and emotional needs of pets and humane and responsible treatment of pets will become the norm. 

Along this theme, one of my favorite authors, Temple Grandin, has published a new book “Animals Make Us Human” (she also authored the bestseller “Animals in Translation”) which focuses on emotions as the key to the welfare and well-being of animals.  This book helps readers to recognize how natural and innate the human-animal connection is as we both share the same basic set of core emotions and desires. 

If humans recognized that the same emotion systems you are born with are shared with animals (such as seeking and fear), perhaps a better understanding of how animals respond to these emotions could evolve.  A human recognition of yourselves through your pets may be the best training tool you could apply.

Grandin also makes a strong case for the need for dogs like me to bond with humans, more than any other species on the planet as we are more tuned in to people than any other species.  For example, unlike wolves or chimpanzees, we are the only animals that can follow a person’s gaze or pointing finger.  As we are genetic wolves that evolved to live and communicate with humans she also is finding that applying some of the “wolf pack” training systems may not be as effective as we thought.

Grandin reviews thirteen years of research on wolf packs in the Northwest Territories of Canada and elaborates on the point that, “In the wild, wolves don’t live in wolf packs, and they don’t have an alpha male who fights the other wolves to maintain his dominance”.  Wait a minute???  What???  So our whole image of wolf packs and alphas is wrong?!?!?  Oh boy…

The research shows that wolves actually live as human families do with parents and siblings and an occasional adopted relative wolf “aunt”.  The research that led us to believe that wolves live in packs was done on wolves living in captivity who always tended to create “unnatural family systems”.  The dominance hierarchy evolved from a group of unrelated wolves who were put together by humans.  But in the wild wolves do not rely on dominance hierarchies to keep peace and order.  Uh-oh, what is Caesar going to do with this information?

I will leave you with some closing thoughts.  You can either read Grandin’s book or a follow up Pet Column, both of which will further explore questions such as: If dogs are wolves and wolves don’t need pack leaders, do dogs need pack leaders?  Did dogs instead evolve to live with human families and thus need a mom and a dad rather than a pack leader?  Or, are dogs living with human families more reflective of a forced unrelated wolf pack, in which an alpha is required?

My name is Jody and I am looking for a new family that will honor my emotional and physical needs and let me read all the interesting books that I want.  I am a 3 month old Rottweiler mix with sweet puppy breath and an abundance of kisses to share.  Come snuggle me today!

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

Paisley Puckers Up

Dear Pet Column Readers,

I am following up on a recent Second Chance Humane Society Pet Column that discussed the topic of helping children cope with the loss of a pet.  In this Pet Column I will share what to say and what not to say when discussing a pet’s death with a child. 

Marty Tously, a bereavement counselor and author of Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping, explains that the worst course of action is to lie or use confusing euphemisms, such as the phrase “put to sleep.” She states, “Later in life, when the child learns the truth, they’ll wonder what else the parent lied about.”

Likewise, euphemisms can cause anxiety or confusion because children take what you say literally. “If you say a pet is put to sleep, the child may suffer sleep anxiety,” says Tously.  She encourages parents to just be open and honest, including during discussions of the pet’s health and euthanasia. “If a pet is terminally ill and needs to be euthanized,” Tously says, “the child needs to be told as soon as possible by the parent.” Use the words death and dying to make your meaning clear.

Make sure the child understands what “dying” means. Explain that the animal’s body stopped working. Depending on your religious or spiritual beliefs and what the child can understand, you might explain the concept of a soul. However, it is important for the child to know that the pet has died and will not be coming back.

When it’s time, and where applicable, allow all of the family members an opportunity to say good-bye to the pet. Some veterinarians will even come to your home to perform the euthanasia. This is an individual decision and may not be appropriate in all situations. The term “euthanasia” means “gentle death,” and when done by a caring professional, can be very releasing for a family whose pet experienced a painful illness.

Be available to let your child discuss his/her feelings about what happened. Show your own feelings. This tells the child that the pet was special and that they are not grieving alone.  You may want to hold your own service to memorialize the pet and to say goodbye formally.  Some people plant trees in a special spot in the yard, others bury the pet in a cemetery and plant flowers so the family can visit.

A few more ways to creatively memorialize a pet are to encourage children to draw pictures of their pet, make a scrapbook with photos of the pet and family members, and write memories beneath. Humorous instances should be included on the pages – which can help develop associations with happiness each time the book is opened.

Sometimes parents want to ease their child’s hurt by rushing out and buying another pet. Tously says this is a mistake. “The last thing you want to do is convey the impression that the pet – a family member – is replaceable,” she says. Wait until the child expresses an interest in another pet.

My name is Paisley, I am a young and lovely Tonkinese mix female cat here at the Second Chance Shelter.  As you can see by my photo I am very affectionate and would make a wonderful addition to any family who enjoys cat kisses and snuggles.  Come visit me today!

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.

LaJolla the Lovely

Second Chance Humane Society and I are firmly against breed-discriminatory legislation.  Breed ban laws exist in approximately 300 different U.S. communities and involve regulating or banning certain breeds of dogs based solely on their lineage, with no regard to the animal’s behavior or temperament.

Fortunately our dog-friendly and progressive region does not have a need or interest in such bans but it is a growing concern nation-wide.  Not only is it discriminatory against a breed of dog known to be an ideal family pet, but new research exposes a high taxpayer cost to ban bull breeds.

An economic study commissioned by Best Friends Animal Society utilized a variety of federal government and other data to develop an online “Fiscal Impact Calculator”.  Best Friends says this tool will help state and local governmental entities calculate the true cost of implementing and enforcing breed-discriminatory laws. The analysis shows that many communities that try to enforce this type of law really don’t have the infrastructure or resources to make it work.

The bottom line is that it would cost governmental entities in excess of $450 million to enforce a nationwide ban on pit bulls, which would include costs of enforcement, kenneling and veterinary care, euthanizing and disposal, litigation and DNA testing.

Other key findings of the study are that there are approximately 72.1 million dogs in the United States, of which approximately five million (6.9 percent) can be described as pit bulls or pit bull mixes based solely on their appearance. 

In some cities, such as Denver, animal control authorities can take a family’s dog away because it is a pit bull or simply resembles a pit bull. Pit bulls usually include the pure breeds such as the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier, or the Staffordshire bull terrier, but there are many mixed breed dogs that share lineage of the above-named pure breeds, along with many short-haired muscular dogs that are confused for pit bulls.

Ledy VanKavage, senior legislative analyst for Utah-based Best Friends states, “If you take someone’s property away the burden of proof is on the government to prove that the pet is subject to the law, which means they must prove it is a pit bull. That becomes an extensive, costly battle that could require DNA testing to see if the dog actually is subject to the ban.”

Additionally, breed discriminatory legislation tends to exhaust limited resources in already under-funded animal control programs by flooding the system with potentially “unadoptable” dogs due to the ban. Such bans are essentially canine racial profiling, a misguided attempt to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by dogs.  Breed identification allows for the possibility for error by allowing legally permitted dogs to be captured and euthanized based solely on a person’s opinion on the dog’s breed make-up.  

There is no proof that violent behavior is hereditary.  A dog’s tendency to bite is typically affected by such environmental factors as improper socialization and training, and whether the dog is unaltered or not.  VanKavage states, “many people view this as a property rights issue—‘as long as I’m a responsible dog owner, I should be allowed to have whatever breed of dog I choose.’ The key here is being responsible. Reckless or negligent owners should be prevented from owning any breed of dog.”

Second Chance Humane Society and I support Best Friend’s Animal Sanctuary’s efforts to restore the breed’s reputation and encourage humane treatment of all dogs, regardless of breed. My name is LaJolla, a shelter dog here at Second Chance waiting for a new family to take me home.  I don’t even resemble a Bull breed but am writing as a concerned dogizen.  For more information on this campaign visit: savingamericasdog.com.

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to:  kelly@secondchancehumanesociety.org.  Photo by Real Life Photographs.