Roanoke, VA - February 17, 2010
The Roanoke Valley SPCA (RVSPCA) is revving up its engines to join forces with the Regional Center for Animal Control & Protection (Regional Center) to find homes for the many wonderful American Pit Bull Terriers (APBT) and APBT mixes that are housed at the Regional Center throughout the year. The goal is to save the lives of 500 loving, good natured dogs that would otherwise not be given the second chance they deserve.
The Pit Bull 500 will be a year long challenge to educate the public on the characteristics of the breed that at one time earned it the title of “Nanny Dog.” The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) has been a revered breed of dog throughout the history of the United States. Early in the twentieth century, their loyalty, determination and bravery were honored by their being depicted on WWI posters. The first decorated canine hero was an APBT named Sergeant Stubby. He served 18 months in European combat, 17 missions on the Western Front. Until his death in 1926 he was the honored guest of every White House administration. The APBT is the only breed of dog to be featured on the cover of Life magazine three times.
The APBT, commonly known at the Pit Bull, is known to be a highly intelligent, fiercely loyal, people-centered dog. The breed is also strong, energetic and requires an owner who can provide structure, discipline and an appreciation for the breed characteristics. The belief that the breed is capable of being a valued family member, supplying unlimited amounts of unconditional love, forms the basis of the partnership between the RVSPCA and the Regional Center to place adoptable Pit Bulls in permanent, loving homes.
In 2009, 615 dogs labeled as Pit Bulls were either brought to the Regional Center by animal control officers as strays or relinquished by their owners. Of those, only 207 were reclaimed by their owners or were accepted by the RVSPCA for adoption. The others were euthanized. The alarming statistics show that nearly 30% of all dogs housed at the Regional Center in 2009 were Pit Bulls or Pit Bull mixes. Those same dogs represent 43% of all dogs euthanized at the Regional
relinquished by their owners. Of those, only 207 were reclaimed by their owners or were accepted by the RVSPCA for adoption. The others were euthanized. The alarming statistics show that nearly 30% of all dogs housed at the Regional Center in 2009 were Pit Bulls or Pit Bull mixes. Those same dogs represent 43% of all dogs euthanized at the Regional Center. These numbers have remained steady over the past four years, with a slight decrease in 2009, and are likely to continue throughout 2010.
The negative public perception surrounding the breed creates a dilemma for adoption centers such as the RVSPCA when making them available for adoption. Because of their energetic nature and high stimulation level, most Pit Bulls do not fare well in a shelter environment and are often the last to be placed in permanent homes. By working with the Regional Center to find homes for the many adoptable APBT dogs housed in that facility, the RVSPCA is working to save those lives as well as reserving space in the adoption center for other adoptable dogs brought into the Regional Center or relinquished by their owners to the RVSPCA.
The Regional Center is located at 1510 Baldwin Avenue, Roanoke. Photos of adoptable Pit Bulls are posted on Petfinder.com, Adopt-a-Pet.com and several other websites. A Facebook page promoting the breed has also been developed. Prior to adoption, all dogs would be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
The Pit Bull 500 officially kicked off on Sunday, February 14th. The RVSPCA and the Regional Center are prepared to go flat-out throughout the entire circuit to save the lives of these wonderful dogs.
ABOUT THE RVSPCA
The Roanoke Valley SPCA operates a no-kill, limited admission adoption and education center. We provide adoption services for homeless and unwanted animals from the City of Roanoke, Botetourt and Roanoke Counties, and the town of Vinton. Prior to adoption, all animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. The organization also provides humane education; pet assisted therapy programs, and provides donated pet food to area food pantries and homebound seniors in our community. Through programs, services and community outreach, the RVSPCA accomplishes its mission to improve the quality of life for animals and the people they touch.
The Roanoke Valley SPCA relies on the generosity of our community for the funds necessary to operate the Adoption & Education Center. It does not receive funding from any governmental body or national animal welfare organization. For more information about the RVSPCA and its services, volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, please call 540.344.4840, or visit www.rvspca.org.
Contact:
Kathy Perdue
Director of Marketing & Development
Roanoke Valley SPCA
344-4840 ext. 207
ABOUT THE REGIONAL CENTER
The Regional Center for Animal Control and Protection is the municipal animal control facility for the City of Roanoke, Counties of Botetourt and Roanoke and the Town of Vinton, and is an “open intake facility”. The Regional Center primarily handles stray animals picked up by the Animal Control Officers employed by the municipalities, but also accepts strays found, and animals owned, by citizens of the municipalities. Each year the Regional Center receives between 7,500 and 8,000 animals.
While at the Regional Center, animals are evaluated for adoptability. Animals that are considered to be adoptable are, subject to the availability of space, transferred to the Roanoke Valley SPCA or another rescue organization for adoption.
The Regional Center posts photos of lost or strayed animals on its website and maintains a lost and found bulletin board on the site to facilitate the successful reunion of lost pets to their owners. For more information about the Regional Center, call 540.344.4922
http://www.rcacp.org/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Regional-Center-for-Animal-Control-Protection/206409874985
