The Shelter Advisor

Q: "We don't place dogs who have been used for dogfighting, but a few people are pressuring us about this policy. What should we do?"—F. B., South Carolina

A: Once dogs have been bred and trained to fight, they may become dangerous at any time in the future, killing or injuring another dog, cat, or even human. The cruel training inflicted upon these animals makes them unpredictable—and unsuitable for placement into new homes.

Understandably, dog lovers who aren't aware of the sad facts of dogfighting may want to make up for the dogs' tragic existence by taking them in and providing them with a better life. The best way to counteract public pressure from these well-meaning folks is to do a little educating. Help people understand that while these animals may seem friendly, all too often they are ticking time bombs.

© Bonnie Nance While many ex-fighting dogs may appear friendly, all too often their behavior is unpredictable.

Pit bulls seized from dogfighting rings are particularly worrisome, notes dog trainer Sue Sternberg, who operates a shelter at her Rondout Valley Kennels in Accord, New York. Attacks by pit bulls frequently come without warning—unlike attacks by other dogs who often growl or bark first. "When a pit bull [is about to attack] he looks friendly and outgoing.... It's not that recognizable," says Sternberg.

Though many shelters do not place pit bulls, others choose to evaluate the animals on a case-by-case basis. If the dog in question is scarred and obviously aggressive, the decision may be fairly simple. The difficulty arises when a shelter takes in a well-mannered stray with questionable scars. Shelter staff may have no idea whether the dog has been used for fighting, making it difficult to evaluate the animal's potential for aggression.

In cases such as these, shelters should always err on the side of caution—for both humane and practical reasons. Not only can dangerous dogs be deadly; they also present a serious liability concern to shelters. In the event of an attack on an adopter—or an adopter's neighbor, friend, or relative—the shelter could be held legally responsible. The publicity that follows an attack could be disastrous to the shelter's reputation and to its ability to promote adoptions of other animals. In addition, criminals involved in dogfighting rings may try to steal adopted fighting dogs.

The results of dogfighting are heartbreaking, and it can be difficult to reject the pleas of potential adopters who have fallen in love with a seemingly friendly ex-fighter; to prevent such heartbreak, sheltered fighting dogs should be kept out of sight of the public. Unfortunately, euthanasia is the only responsible option for almost every animal rescued from this brutal bloodsport. When the plight of these animals upsets the citizens in your community, let them know that you are equally devastated. Explain to them that your policies are based on concern for the well-being and safety of everyone, including the animal. Remind people that when a shelter makes animals available for adoption, the staff must make every effort to protect both the animals and the public.

By taking the time to explain the reasons behind your policy, you can help potential adopters understand that the dangers involved in adopting out fighting dogs far outweigh the possible benefits—and you can also encourage people to adopt other dogs in need of loving homes.