Whether you think they are mean or not, the real problem is over breeding.
Each year, 1.2 million dogs are euthanized, approximately 40% of them are pit bulls. This means that nearly half a million pit bull-type dogs are killed in shelters annually. Of all the common dog types to appear in shelters, pit bulls are by far the most likely to be euthanized, while they’re only the third most likely to be adopted.
But it’s not enough to just love these dogs and talk about how great they are. It’s also important to confront the challenges associated with them, and one of the biggest is why are there so many? And why are they killed in such large quantities every day?
Whether it’s backyard breeding or casual breeding or just plain breeding, there’s way too much breeding of pit bulls going on. It doesn’t help that pit bulls tend to have large(ish) litters, anywhere from six-12 puppies per litter (sometimes it’s more, and sometimes it’s less).
Go to a shelter and see for yourself how many pit bull-type dogs are there. It is heartbreaking to see these sad faces. I have, and it is sad.
Jean Curry,
Petersburg
• Columns, My Turns and Letters to the Editor represent the view of the author, not the view of the Juneau Empire.