By JOE ELMORE, CHARLESTON ANIMAL SOCIETY PRESIDENT AND CEO
Perhaps, the most pressing issue facing animal shelters across South Carolina is the overwhelming number of Pit Bull Type Dogs (PBTDs) entering government and government-contracted facilities. Their disproportionately large numbers, due to a lack of accessible and affordable spay/neuter, create circumstances that place this majestic dog, through no fault of its own, in situations where it is harmed or causes harm to others.
Note: Pit Bull is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as a specific breed of dog. Rather it is a cadre of breeds, most often associated with American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bullies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldog, along with any mixed breed dog that shares certain physical characteristics with these terrier-type breeds.