NJ: Pit Bulls from Asbury Park dog-fighting ring available for adoption

Pit Bulls from Asbury Park dog fighting ring
Friday, January 18, 2013 11:37 AM By Ashley Peskoe, NJ.com

EATONTOWN – Eight Pit Bulls involved in an Asbury Park dog-fighting ring are now available for adoption at the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, officials said.

Officials broke up the ring in November after a tip led them to the location where a fight had taken place. At the time, operators and spectators had fled the scene, leaving seriously injured dogs behind.

SPCA Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Karen Terpstra said in cases such as this one, the dogs are seized and held in protective custody until charges are filed and the case goes through the judicial system.

While in protective custody, the dogs were examined, given any necessary medical treatments, and provided with food, shelter and exercise.

“We are able to get a basic sense of the dog's temperament by interacting with it daily, walking it, cleaning the kennel, etc. Once the dog is signed over to us, the dog will receive a behavior assessment like any other dog that is brought to us for adoption,” Terpstra said.

The behavior assessment allows the SPCA to determine if the dog can be adopted.

“They [the eight dogs from the Asbury Park case] are young, ages six months to three years, and are friendly with humans and with other dogs. We are working on their social skills and putting them in dog play groups so they can learn appropriate play,” Terpstra said.

She said animals from dog fighting cases could have a range of aggression levels, from being aggressive to humans or other dogs, to others who are able to be adopted but just need socialization and training.

Anyone wishing to adopt an animal from the SPCA is encouraged to meet with an adoption counselor, Terpstra said.

“Our goal is to make a good match between the personality and needs of the dog with the lifestyle and experience of the owner. We want to make sure that the energy levels and exercise and training needs will fit well with the human family,” she said.

The SPCA adoption center is located at 260 Wall Street in Eatontown.



Pit Bulls from Asbury Park dog-fighting ring available for adoption | NJ.com