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DeKalb Euthanizing 34 Pit Bulls Weekly
Posted: 9:50 pm EST February 4, 2010
Updated: 8:17 am EST February 5, 2010
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DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- Ashley Derrick has rescued more than 20 pit bulls in DeKalb County within the last two years and tries to find homes for as many as possible.
“They are being bred the most, being neglected the most and being abandoned the most,” said Derrick.
And as Channel 2 Action News reporter Linda Stouffer uncovered, pit bulls are also being euthanized the most.
Atlanta's Pit Bull Population
DeKalb County Animal Services said in 2009, they took in more than 2,100 pit bulls -- that’s more than double all other breeds combined.
Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 2009, the agency euthanized a total of 5561 animals, 1778 of which were pit bulls. That accounts for nearly 32 percent of all their euthanized animals.
But when Stouffer asked the county for interviews on the topic, representative Shelia Edwards said: “DeKalb County does not have a breeding issue that impacts our shelter.”
Some activists said that’s the point- the county isn’t doing enough to bring attention to the matter.
Ralphe Hawthorne thinks change will come from the very people who drive up demand for pit bull puppies. Hawthorne is with the Humane Society of the United States, and a lead advocate for the campaign to end dog fighting in Atlanta.
“A lot of young people think that having a pit bull makes them have status, makes them look important,” said Hawthorne. Copyright 2010 by WSBTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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