Hurricane Katrina made it painfully obvious that Pit Bulls suffer the worst overall conditions and treatment of any breed in America. Read Our Katrina Blog Here. Of all the thousands of animals abandoned when residents of New Orleans fled, an estimated FORTY PERCENT were Pit Bulls. Many were left to drown, starve, or get by on their own. When animal rescue groups began coming in to New Orleans, they shipped rescued dogs to shelters all over the country, and none of them were prepared for the massive numbers of Pits.
In 2006 and 2007, nearly one-third of all dogs killed in shelters across the U.S. were Pit Bulls--not because they were mean, but because there were just too many.
In 2006, West End Animal Hospital, in conjunction with grants from PetSmart Charities, Florida Animal Friends License Plates, and No More Homeless Pets, instituted a FREE spay and neuter program for Pit Bulls and Pit mixes in Alachua County.
As of June 2008, the assistance money ran out. West End has continued the program, however, funding it completely on our own, and have done over 1300 PitNips free of charge. In 2010, this program became partially funded again by Animal Farm Foundation, through a grant working locally with Phoenix Animal Rescue.
Now, for August 2010 through 2011, Florida Animal Friend has once again stepped up and helped us fund this valuable program. Please support them and us by purchasing a spay/neuter license plate!
The surgery is TOTALLY FREE. The only requirements are that the dog be a resident of Alachua County with a current Alachua County Rabies Tag, and it must look PREDOMINANTLY like a Pit Bull. YOU MUST SUBMIT A PHOTO OR BRING THE DOG FOR US TO LOOK AT PRIOR TO MAKING THE APPOINTMENT. Photos may be submitted by email, snail mail, or in person.
Please be part of the solution, not part of the problem. If you let your Pit have even ONE litter, you are contributing to the problem. Call 472-7626 today to schedule your Pittie's surgery and do your part for the breed you love.