Primp your Pit

Annual Halifax Humane Society program for pit bulls and pit bull mixed breeds will continue through May or until the grant runs out.

By Jacque Estes
| 4:04 p.m. April 17, 2017

Buddy, 34946232, is a 2-year-old male Staffordshire Terrier mix. Buddy, like all dogs and cats adopted will be neutered when he is adopted. Owners of pit bull mixes that have not been can sign up for discounted surgery.

Cherry Blossom, 34607652, is a 1 1/2-year-old cat, available at Halifax Humane Society. Photo courtesy HHS

Queen, 34427720, is a 6-year-old female Staffordshire terrier mix, available for adoption at the Halifax Humane Society. Photo courtesy HHS

Serendipity,, 34937682, is a 1-year-old male cat, available for adopt at Halifax Humane Society. Photo courtesy HHS

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Often times visitors to humane societies comment on the number of pit bull and pit bull mixes that are available for adoption. In fact the number of these dogs coming into the Halifax Humane Society is reducing according to veterinarian Jennifer Green.

Between 2012 and 2016 the number of pit bulls and mixes coming into the shelter decreased by 66% and the euthanasia rate decreased by 49%. But Green said the humane society wants to see these numbers continue to drop.

“Pit bull type dogs are the highest intake dog,” Green said. “There were 1,050 surrendered in 2016.”

Thanks to a grant from PetSmart Charities the humane society is offering their “Primp your Pit” special. Referring to the breed that she called “underserved,” Green said the program allows owners of these dogs to have them spayed or neutered for a co-pay of $25. The grant pays for the rest of the costs. Along with the surgery, each dog receives a registered microchip and rabies vaccine.

Dogs must be at least three months old to qualify. Rabies vaccinations cannot be administered before that time.

Owners drop their dogs off at the Redinger Clinic at 600 Mason Ave., suite 150 at an appointed time and pick them up the same day. Any follow up appointments needed would be done at the dog’s regular veterinarian as the shelter is not able to act as the primary veterinarian.

Appointments are required and there is limited space. For an appointment, call 310-4935.

Myths about spay and neuter

Males won’t feel as good about themselves and lose their “manliness.”
The surgery is not healthy for the animal.
Females should have at least one heat or litter prior to being spayed.

In fact, animals that are spayed or neutered tend to live longer and healthier lives by reducing the opportunity for mammary or reproductive cancers, and males are generally less likely to roam.

Of course, any animal adopted from the humane society is spayed or neutered, have all of their shots, and a registered microchip.

“We always take in pit bulls and mixes,” Green said. “We don’t turn any animal away.”