WA: Tacoma groups to encourage responsible pit bull ownership

Tacoma groups to encourage responsible pit bull ownership

Stephanie Clark; The News Tribune
Published: 05/01/10 1:37 pm | Updated: 05/01/10 5:26 pm

Area animal welfare organizations have joined forces again to sponsor a campaign in May to encourage responsible pit bull ownership. The Responsi-Bull Project is a three-part program that includes a free spray-and-neuter clinic, a free educational workshop and an obedience class for pit bulls and their owners. The class is free if all four sessions are attended. Certain income restrictions apply to the spray-and-neuter clinic and the training classes.

An estimated one-third of dogs entering shelters are pit bulls or pit bull mixes, and ninety-percent of those dogs will not find a home according to the news release. Organizers hope the program will help to lower the euthanasia rates for the breed.

Participating organizations include the BullsEye Dog Rescue, Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter, Pawsitive Alliance, the Humane Society for Tacoma/Pierce County and Play Bow Dog Training.

Upcoming events:

PART 1: Pit-Fix:
MAY 1:
For a limited time, owners of pit bulls can have their dogs spayed or neutered free of charge at the Coalition: HUMAnE Spay & Neuter in Tacoma. To schedule an appointment email chappts@yahoo.com or call 253-627-SPAY. Email is preferred. A picture of your dog must be emailed to chappts@yahoo.com or mailed to the clinic to schedule an appointment. Space is limited. The clinic is located at 2106 Tacoma Avenue S. in Tacoma. Restricted to those individuals of low income status and one dog per household.

PART II: Pit-Ed
MAY 16:
Learn the “do’s and don’ts” of owning a pit bull. BullsEye Dog Rescue is hosting a free Responsible Pit Bull Ownership Workshop on Sunday, May 16th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. The event will be held at the Play Bow Dog Training facility located at 2108 Tacoma Ave S. in Tacoma. Space is limited and registration required. Online registration form available at Bullseye Dog Rescue - Seattle Area Pit Bull Rescue.

PART III: Train-A-Pit
Play Bow Dog Training and BullsEye Dog Rescue to offer a four-week basic obedience class for pit bulls that is free to those who complete the class. A $40 registration fee will be required and $10 will be refunded for each week of attendance. The class normally costs $150. Training will be offered on Saturdays from 2:00–3:00 p.m., 3:30–4:30 p.m. and 5:00–6:00 p.m. starting on May 22. Contact Lorrie at lorrie@bullseyerescue.org to register. Space is limited. Restricted to those individuals of low income status and one dog per household. The classes are designed for owners with little or no obedience training experience, and dogs age six months and older with little or no obedience training. Attendance at the May 15 workshop is required in order to participate in the training classes. Online registration form available at Bullseye Dog Rescue - Seattle Area Pit Bull Rescue.

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