City Seeking Loving Homes For Rescued Dogs

By Neil S. Friedman

This is one of the six rescued pit bulls, determined not to be dangerous, that are up for adoption at the Brooklyn Animal Shelter.

Pit bull. Just the words can send shivers down the spine of the average person. However, the public’s perception of that particular breed is often inaccurate, largely due to media stories about pit bull attacks. Animal experts say that negative image of the breed exists because pit bulls are sometimes raised and trained to be vicious by unscrupulous owners who use them for fighting.

Earlier this month in a sting operation, New York City Animal Control Officers seized more than a dozen pit bulls that were allegedly being bred for fighting during a raid in the Tremont section of The Bronx

Now, the Center for Animal Care and Control (CACC) is desperately seeking loving homes for some of these dogs, which have been evaluated, temperament-tested and determined not aggressive or dangerous. Six of the rescued animals are available for adoption at the Brooklyn animal shelter on Linden Boulevard.

Ed Boks, CACC Executive Director, calls these dogs "little New Yorkies." He likens the mistaken image of this breed to the way out-of-towners often perceive New Yorkers — tough and aggressive." He added, "Give a pit bull the same chance…and you’ll be rewarded for life."

Though officers believed the dogs rescued in The Bronx were being raised to fight, there was no specific evidence of that, so the owner was not charged with animal cruelty because he provided shelter and water for his animals, which numbered sixteen in all. None of the dogs appeared to be malnourished or abused, which is often the case in such situations, according to a CACC spokesperson.

Animal experts say that pit bulls are the choice for illegal dog fighting because when trained for the "blood sport" they will fight to the death. Dog fighting is unlawful in the United States and a felony in 47 states, including New York.

Meanwhile, lawmakers in Albany have undertaken steps to overhaul laws regulating dangerous dogs and vicious breeds, following the recent death of a 3-year-old Bronx boy who was severely mauled by a Rottweiler.

Anyone wanting to adopt one of the pit bulls will be evaluated to insure the dog is going to end up in a loving home. The CACC has inserted a microchip in each dog to keep track of it.

To find out more about adopting one of the rescued pit bulls, call 1-718-272-7200 or visit the Brooklyn animal shelter at 2336 Linden Boulevard (between Essex & Shepherd streets).