Washington Animal Rescue League to Host a Free Pit Bull Spaying and Neutering, Vaccination Clinic

February 23, 2009

On Tuesday, February 24, beginning at 8:00 a.m. the Washington Animal Rescue League is hosting a free one-day-only spaying, neutering and vaccination clinic for all pit bulls and pit bull mixes. The clinic is part of the League’s ongoing effort to help control the overpopulation of this breed. Of all of the calls the League receives from people who want to surrender their dogs, about 85% are from people looking to give up their pit bulls and pit bull mixes.

“Basically the pit bull spaying and neutering clinic is in response to the huge number of these dogs who are homeless in our area shelters,” explains Mary Jarvis, director of animal welfare. “Approximately 50% or more of any local shelter’s canine population is comprised of pit bulls and pit bull mixes. It has become an epidemic.”

Technically, “pit bull” is not a breed, it is a term used to describe American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. According to the Pit Bull Rescue Central Web site (http://www.pbrc.net/breedinfo.html), pit bulls make great pets and are wonderful family dogs. However, many have a tendency for aggression towards other dogs because of a long history of being bred for dog fighting. This often causes them to be surrendered to shelters.

Jarvis said pit bulls are also given up because rental units do not allow them and home owner’s insurance usually does not cover them. Moreover, pit bulls, who are highly intelligent and have very powerful bodies, can engage in destructive behavior if they do not get adequate training and mental stimulation.

The League’s Medical Center is prepared to treat as many as 30 dogs at the clinic. More can be treated if they are male because the neutering procedure takes less time than spaying. To prepare, the Medical Center has cancelled all other appointments for the day, and crates are being set up in the examination rooms to house more dogs. Dogs who show up but cannot be treated on Tuesday, February 24, due to time or space restraints will be given a voucher to return on Monday, March 16.

All dogs at the clinic will receive a full veterinary evaluation at the League’s Medical Center prior to being spayed or neutered. DHPP, rabies and bordetella vaccines, as well as post-operative pain medications, will also be administered at no cost. Dogs should be dropped off promptly between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. and can be picked up between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m.