NM: Shelter enacts new pitbull rules

Shelter enacts new pitbull rules
By Matt Robinson Headlight Staff
Posted: 04/11/2011 12:00:00 AM MDT

Those who abuse or fight pitbulls in Luna County will have to find a different source for their unfortunate victims.

The Deming-Luna County Humane Society discussed a new pitbull adoption policy during its Sunday meeting at the animal shelter. The new policy affects pitbulls and pitbull mixes, both of which are popular breeds for dog fighting rings and abuse, as evidenced by the imprisonment of National Football League star Michael Vick, which has garnered international attention to the subject.

The policy now requires all who adopt pitbulls to fill out an application and submit to a home inspection. The home inspection will look for, among other criteria, evidence of a loving home, a fenced in yard and no chained animals. The dogs must also be spayed or neutered as part of the adoption process.

"We've noticed the trend of people who adopt pitbulls do not keep their spay/neuter appointments," Sande Foster, shelter director, explained.

The application asks for background information, including if the applicant has ever been convicted of any charges related to domestic abuse, animal abuse or other violent crimes. It also asks why the applicant wishes to adopt the dog.

Additionally, applicants must sign an agreement to have the pitbull sterilized or face seizure of the pet, a citation and/or a $350 fine.

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