Sarah Moore
08-10-2007, 08:25 PM
Bill, GSHS does not have a formal policy on pit bulls. They are evaluated the same as any other dog coming into the shelter according to the policy and procedure. We've had several wonderful pit bulls that had great temperaments and were adopted as family pets. We have a wonderful one named Peaches there now. We screen pit bull adopters carefully. We have not euthanized any at the shelter although two who went to a foster home were eventually euthanized due to aggressive behavior. We have not had any dogs that we believed were trained as "fighting dogs". I believe if an animal came in that was from that type of environment, it would have to be euthanized. That seems to be the general concensus among organizations such as the Humane Society and ASPCA.
These sections of our policy manual are particularly relevant to your question.
1. Shelter Admission Policy & Procedure
A. No domestic dog or cat is to be denied admittance except as described in section C below.(Section C relates to city animal control) Other domestic animals will be considered on a case by case basis and admission will be based on the shelter’s ability to care for the animal. In the case of diseased, badly injured, or aggressive animals see sections H (relates to sick animals who must be isolated) and I below.
G. An assessment of each animal’s general temperament will be performed upon admission. If aggression or temperament problems are noted, a more detailed evaluation will be arranged by the shelter manager and a treatment plan will be implemented if feasible. Ongoing behavior observations and treatment results will be clearly documented.
I. When an animal's health and/or temperament is such that it poses an immediate danger to personnel and/or other animals it may be a candidate for euthanasia. The animal should be placed in a an appropriate holding area until it can be further evaluated.
and
4. Animal Retention Policy
...We are committed to putting forth our best efforts to avoid euthanasia of healthy and reasonably well-adjusted animals and those animals which may become healthy and adoptable pets with reasonable medical treatment or training. Sadly, there may be times when it is necessary to euthanize an animal as a last resort...
A. Assessment Policy: Each animal will be evaluated for adoption or euthanasia on an individual basis, as fairly and compassionately as possible. This evaluation will be performed by a skilled and experienced staff member in consultation with other key members of the organization. Animals that are suffering from a serious illness or injury, those that have a documented history of aggressive behavior, or those that demonstrate aggressive behavior towards a person or other animal during a behavior assessment may be euthanized without being held for adoption...
These sections of our policy manual are particularly relevant to your question.
1. Shelter Admission Policy & Procedure
A. No domestic dog or cat is to be denied admittance except as described in section C below.(Section C relates to city animal control) Other domestic animals will be considered on a case by case basis and admission will be based on the shelter’s ability to care for the animal. In the case of diseased, badly injured, or aggressive animals see sections H (relates to sick animals who must be isolated) and I below.
G. An assessment of each animal’s general temperament will be performed upon admission. If aggression or temperament problems are noted, a more detailed evaluation will be arranged by the shelter manager and a treatment plan will be implemented if feasible. Ongoing behavior observations and treatment results will be clearly documented.
I. When an animal's health and/or temperament is such that it poses an immediate danger to personnel and/or other animals it may be a candidate for euthanasia. The animal should be placed in a an appropriate holding area until it can be further evaluated.
and
4. Animal Retention Policy
...We are committed to putting forth our best efforts to avoid euthanasia of healthy and reasonably well-adjusted animals and those animals which may become healthy and adoptable pets with reasonable medical treatment or training. Sadly, there may be times when it is necessary to euthanize an animal as a last resort...
A. Assessment Policy: Each animal will be evaluated for adoption or euthanasia on an individual basis, as fairly and compassionately as possible. This evaluation will be performed by a skilled and experienced staff member in consultation with other key members of the organization. Animals that are suffering from a serious illness or injury, those that have a documented history of aggressive behavior, or those that demonstrate aggressive behavior towards a person or other animal during a behavior assessment may be euthanized without being held for adoption...