Seek Homes for Pit Bulls - by Lisa L. Colangelo, New York Daily News City Hall Bureau - Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals, Inc. - Working with the City of New York to promote dog and cat adoption and spay and neuter programs to make New York a no-kill city.

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Seek Homes for Pit Bulls

by Lisa L. Colangelo, New York Daily News City Hall Bureau

Monday, December 22, 2003

Don't hate them because they are pit bulls.

New York Animal Care and Control is trying to find homes for more than a dozen pit bulls rescued from a Bronx home this month. Experts believe the owner may have been training them for illegal dogfights.

Despite that, many of the dogs are friendly and docile.

"We don't want to discriminate against the pit bull breed," said Richard Gentles, deputy executive director at New York Animal Care and Control, which is holding and evaluating the dogs. "We want to give them the same chance to find a home."

The small, brown pit bull puppy featured in a Daily News story on the Dec. 3 seizure already has been adopted.

But Gentles admitted it might be tougher to place some of the others, which are mostly younger than 2.

"Some may not be suitable for a family situation or a situation where there are other dogs," he said. "That's all considered before placement."

Jane Hoffman, head of the Mayor's Alliance for NYC Animals, said pit bulls have gotten a bad rap. Any aggressive behavior is the fault of the owner and not inherent in the dog's nature.

"I think it's who they're raised by, just like anybody else," said Hoffman. "Pit bulls are like big sponges. If they are brought up in a good environment, they are very loving dogs. They just soak up what is given to them. It should be the deed, not the breed."

For information on adopting the dogs, visit Animal Care and Control's Manhattan shelter at 326 E. 110th St., or call (212) 722-3620. The agency's Brooklyn shelter is at 2336 Linden Blvd., (718) 272-7200.