Release Date: Mar 30, 2007
File:

Summary:
Montgomery County Animal Resource Center euthanized 22 Pit Bull terriers as a result of local alleged dog fighting activities.  Montgomery County's Animal Resource Center was housing 60 Pit Bull terrier type animals connected to Court Cases related to alleged dog fighting.  The ARC received 31 Pit Bulls on July 23rd and 39 Pit Bulls on October 26th  of last year.  Other Pit Bulls were received in smaller numbers throughout the year.  12 Pit Bulls had been humanely euthanized in January.

Each dog entering the shelter receives first-rate care including a veterinary examination, quality food and water and shelter.  The Pit Bulls are receiving the same care as other dogs in the shelter.  The Animal Resource Center recognizes that many Pit Bulls bred into positive situations live full lives in families, however these dogs have been trained to be aggressive and are dangerous to staff and other animals.

Since the initial intake of the Pit Bulls in July, there have been 15 reported incidents relating to the Pit Bulls including staff and other animal attacks.  These Pit Bulls have become increasingly aggressive due to their backgrounds and the fact that they have been kept in close quarters with other fighting animals at the ARC.

The Animal Resource Center requested and received approval to humanely euthanize 12 of the Pit Bulls connected to the court cases that exhibited the most aggressive and dangerous natures to the ARC staff, public and other animals sheltered at the ARC.  On Thursday, January 25, 2007 the 12 Pit Bulls were humanely euthanized in accordance with ARC procedures.  On March 29, 2007 22 Pit Bulls were humanely euthanized in accordance with ARC procedures.

This step was taken because the threat to the Animal Resource Center staff's health and safety due to the dangerous nature of these animals.  At this time the ARC is still housing 38 Pit Bulls connected with dog fighting court cases.  These animals continue to put stress on the ARC's staff ability to provide safe shelter for all the animals entering the ARC.  The remaining 38 Pit Bulls are being evaluated daily as their temperaments are also changing and deteriorating.