Following the recent negative publicity on pit bulls and its dangers as a breed, many of these dogs have been abandoned placing a huge task on the shoulders of pit bull rescue organisation Indelicate Pitbull Rescue.
The organisation says now more than ever it has to live up to its name – “Indelicate” meaning the lack of understanding.
“We are so saddened by the negativity around the breed and the ongoing abuse they have to endure which often provokes attacks or human aggression,” Julia from the organisation said.
According to her, nothing is being done to curb illegal breeding which also provokes human aggression in the dogs.
“Now, more so, because of the increase in publicity some innocent dogs have to endure even more pain through abandonment, and in a recent case people went so far as setting these innocent animals alight. No animal deserves to endure this. If people can treat women and children this way and get away with it, so they can do this to animals,” she says.
Surrendering pitties
She says the organisation has always struggled with daily surrendering requests, which is increasing more and more.
“It never gets easier to turn away, but unfortunately we don’t have a choice. There is no financial support and limited space. Not only is there an increase of dumped, abandoned, abused and neglected pit bulls – there is also a decrease of public and community support as brands do not necessarily want to be associated with a breed that is currently in the public eye for being ridiculed as a monster.”
Julia says while the organisation remains sympathetic to the families, children and dogs, no matter the breed, should always be supervised.
“We also strongly believe only people with knowledge of the breed should own them. Strict laws regarding illegal breeding should be followed. Sterilisation is important. Education on the breed is key,” she says.
Raising funds
She urges the public to contact the SPCA to report should they know of the abuse of pit bulls.
The organisation also focuses on educating the public on responsible dog ownership – focusing on different breed-specific traits and how to guide dogs through their short life journeys.
To raise funds for their increasing financial burden, the organisation will be hosting a family picnic at St Beer Yard at Bellevue Wine Estate on 10 December between 11:00 and 18:00, where R5 of every pint of beer sold will go to the organisation.
There will be live music, food stalls, a children’s playing area and a raffle.
For more information contact them on indelicatepitbullrescue@gmail.com.
