http://kcpw.org/blog/local-news/2010-09-16/west-valley-program-aims-to-reduce-pit-bull-population/
West Valley Program Aims to Reduce Pit Bull Population
09.16.2010 by Eric Ray
(KCPW News) The West Valley City Animal Shelter is offering owners of pit bull terriers or pit mixes a free spay or neuter service in October. Shelter manager Karen Bird says they are focusing on pit bulls because of the area’s large population of the breed.
“We do see a high number of pit bull and pit bull mixes that come in through our shelter, either as strays or owner surrenders, maybe a litter of puppies that they just can’t find homes for,” says Bird. “But a great deal of the dogs that come in through our shelter are pit bull and pit bull mixes.”
Bird says there is still a negative stigma surrounding pit bulls, and the staff at the shelter consistently speaks with people about the pros and cons of owning them. Despite that, Bird says the program is an attempt to reduce the number of pit bulls in the area.
“So we’d like to actually get to a point where there’s actually a decline in the number of pit bull and pit bull mixes that are out there that don’t have homes,” says Bird.
The West Valley shelter will provide 100 free sterilizations for pit bulls and mixes October 11 through 16. Interested dog owners must register in person at the shelter prior to those dates.
The West Valley Animal Shelter is located at 4522 West 3500 South and is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm. The phone number is (801) 365-5800.
