The pit bull family encompasses several breeds of dogs in the Molasser family of breeds that originated as dog-fighting breeds. Pit bulls have gained a reputation as vicious dogs, but many argue that this disposition is from abuse and neglect, and the pit bull's actual demeanor is sweet and sensitive. The highest represented breed in animal shelters is the pit bull, and therefore they are at high risk for being euthanized. Many owners raise pit bulls as fighting dogs, using means applying torture and abuse to get them to fight. For these reasons, pit bull rescues are of high need in virtually every area, including Tennessee.
Instructions
1. Evaluate the situation. If the dog is in a shelter, inquire about taking possession of the pit bull. Be honest with the staff at the shelter, and find out the options available. If it's homeless, look for a tag with owner information. If it doesn't have one, look for ads in local papers or lost signs locally for the dog. Post found signs if it looks like the dog had an owner and is just lost. If no one claims the dog, taking the dog in is taking possession of it.
2. Enlist the help of professionals. Contact animal control if the dog currently has an owner but is neglected or abused. Animal abuse is also a criminal complaint that police departments handle. Work with animal control and local authorities to help the animal by offering to take the animal if the owners don't want the pit bull or can't care for it.
3. Find a home for the pit bull. Keeping the dog is one of the many options after rescuing it. Others are finding someone else who can care for the dog temporarily, such as a foster home, or working with a rescue agency to place the dog.
4. Take care of important matters. If there is an owner involved, they will have to sign a surrender form, giving up their ownership of the pit bull. Make sure the owner signs this form to minimize legal liability for those involved in the pit bull rescue.
5. Remember the first priority is the dog. There are situations where the owner is neglecting or abusing the dog and refuses to give the pit bull up. In these cases, it is imperative to get animal control or law enforcement involved. Do not break the law, since this helps no one, including the dog. Consult with the proper authority to determine the best way to help the pit bull legally.
Tags: animal control, taking possession