Opinion on pit bulls is love them or hate them with most of my clients. My last dog was a pit bull mix, and I adored her and we never had an issue with aggression. So I guess I’m in the love them camp.
But, there is no denying the amount of damage a pit bull can do, especially to a human. These dogs are genetically programmed to be able to fight and wounds can be horrific. There is also no denying that pit bulls occupy a significant amount of the dogs in Inland Empire shelters (as well as those in Orange County). Also known, is that they can be difficult to adopt out.
The question I have for you…do you think Riverside County is going about this the right way…requiring pit bull owners to spay and neuter their dogs…even if they’ve never posed a threat to anyone.
Here is a link to an article on the subject:
Here is my opinion:
1) Government agencies should not be in the habit of forcing pet owners to do any surgical procedure. I would much rather they dramatically increase the fees for unspayed/unneutered dogs as well as fines for not being licensed. If a pet owner will pay a lot for not having their pet spayed or neutered, then they would be much more likely to have the procedure performed. If they are a breeding line, than this means the puppies will sell for a bit more to cover the extra licensing fees.
2) I strongly encourage neutering of all pets, but especially larger breeds and dominant males. This have significant behavioral and medical benefits. The city can grant a voucher to assist in paying for the spay/neuter at a veterinarian of their choice. Extra licensing fees can help with the added cost.
3) Proper training (or lack of it) is what commonly leads to human injury from any dog breed. They need to offer free or reduced cost training classes to dog owners starting in puppyhood.
4) Pit bulls are prone to a “mob mentality” and are much more likely to attack when multiple dogs are together. I would advise not have having more than 2 pit bulls in any one property, and make it illegal to have more than 2 dogs without a special permit which would require a certificate of good citizenship from an accredited trainer.
I’m interested in your thoughts on this subject.
Just as a FYI- Annie and Shirley are adorable petite pits still need a home (and they are already spayed FYI).