OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) –
Here in Washington Iowa, the PAWS and More Animal Shelter welcomed three dogs from Ottumwa – saving them from possibly being euthanized.
The city of Ottumwa seized the animals because their owners violated the ban on pit bulls.
The ban on pit bulls has been effective in Ottumwa for over 20 years. This was put in place after a pit bull killed a toddler.
So far this year, Ottumwa’s Animal Control had 5 aggressive dogs euthanized and only 2 of them were Pit Bulls.
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” Sit…. Good Boy! Ready? *Throws ball* “
Two of the dogs that were saved by Washington, Iowa’s PAWS and More- Buddy and Marcus – are still waiting for adoption.
On Wednesday, Marcus was visited by a family that is considering adopting him.
Stephanie Sanders is the Co-Director of Iowans Against Breed Bans and she believes Dogs should be judged by their behavior, not their breed.
Sanders said, “We don’t agree that any local government should be able to tell you what kind of dog you can have.”
Sanders says breed bans vilify pit bulls and force owners to seclude or abandon their animals. She said, “It’s time to focus on the facts instead of what they’ve been perceived to be for so many years.”
Amber Talbot is the Executive Director at PAWS and More… She says a dog’s behavior isn’t tied to their genetics, but in how they’re raised.
Talbot said,” Dog bites come from animals that are not spayed and neutered and that are housed inappropriately and primarily living on chains.”
Talbot understands how stories of dog attacks can create fear. But she says banning pit bulls hasn’t solved problematic animal owners.
She said, “Pit bull type looking dogs are a very small percent of all of the at-large dog problems and dog nuisances in their community.”
Talbot suggests making microchipping your dog a service offered by the city for free instead of charging and enforcing it. That way people will be more inclined to register their dogs.
But as long as Ottumwa has the ban on pit bulls, the Paws Shelter will try to ensure pet owners have them as an option – but there’s only so much room.
Terri Wood works for PAWS and More and she has to deal with the stress of finding room for these dogs.
She said, “Its a lot to deal with when we’re quite literally trying to save their lives. It can get a little frustrating when you get dogs like Marcus, Buddy and Piggy that are all such sweet and loving dogs.”
Wood continued by saying, “ We try to always say yes… *Marcus comes and eats a treat out of Terri’s hand*. “
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