Riverside County starts free pit bull sterilization program

     Throughout the United States, pit bull type dogs are the kind of dog who disproportionally inhabit animal shelters, and this is no exception with the shelters throughout Riverside County. Robert Miller, director of the Riverside County Department of animal control estimates that half the canine population housed within Riverside County shelters are pit bulls or pit bull mix dogs.

     In 2008, statistics indicate that Riverside County shelters euthanized 3000 of pit bull type dogs. Consequently, the "Pitbull Project" was launched in January 2010 in an attempt to decrease the number of pit bulls euthanized. Animal control officials in Riverside County say that most pitbull's find their way to the shelter are picked up roaming the streets, and that many are initially obtained as puppies at swap meets for as little as $20 particularly to a teenage boys, who soon lose interest in the dog. Often stray pit bulls are found in low-income areas and many roam in packs, particularly on Indian reserves in the Coachella Valley. In early 2010 there were several well-publicized maulings maulings, including one fatality, by pit bull type dogs.

     Riverside County residents interested in getting a pit bull sterilized should phone 951-358-7387.