can seized pitbulls be rehabilitated?

remember the huge bust of the dog fighting ring last july? it was the largest crackdown on animal abuse that spanned five states and involved hundreds of dogs. now, time magazine is asking the question "can attack dogs be rehabilitated?" it's a good question and one worth considering when "normal" dogs are euthanized in shelters across the country every day. the long answer involves prevention: reducing poverty, increasing education, spay/neuter and more breed-specific training. the short answer is yes. in a no kill nation we don't solve our problems by killing them.

check out the national pit bull rescue center for more info on the demonized dogs and the efforts to end their abuse.

for local rescue info, including adoptable pits, check out the midwest area pit stop.

my fair kitteh - dottie doolittle

straight off the runways of japan, designer clothes for your cats! that white blouse and red skirt would look just darling on our lovely lucy.

in local dog news:

the dane county humane society is asking potential adopters to give pit bulls a chance. at a time when breed bans are a hot-button issue it's comforting to hear local animal behaviorist patricia mcconnell put things into perspective, "every dog should be evaluated as an individual. breed is so irrelevant so often."

good news for fast dogs, the last of the five greyhound parks in the state is closing at the end of the year. yep. six dog deaths in three months will do that to ya.

look at the world from more than one angle

isthmus story on 'off-limits' places in town - denied access to dchs euthanasia room. just because we can't see it doesn't mean it's not there.

the fastest human alive is as fast as a house cat. neat-o!

tax-payer money is going to help defend the florida cat killer in the upcoming trial.

'certified pre-owned cats' - even in animal rescue it's all about the marketing.

here's an update on two of the vick pits seized back in 2007. looks like both will be moving on to new, better lives soon!

historic dog fighting bust

as we first reported last week, there was a huge dog fighting bust that resulted in the seizure of 400 dogs. this was not one large fighting ring, but multiple operations across 7 states. the size of the bust makes it the largest known raid on the torture sport in u.s. history.

good news, "rescuers are 'seeing a lot of tail wags.'"

26 people have been charged. "under the law, each of the counts could result in a maximum of five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000."

united animal nations - one of the awesome groups who were involved with the raid. these guys are great!

hsus' dog-fighting fact sheet.

pit bull terrier breed history - remember petey from lil' rascals?

wisconsin independent pit bull rescue - save a life, help to end the stereotypes, and make a new best friend.