Shelters Support Pit Bull Killings

March 31, 2001
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Dr. H. J. Wirth, President of the RSPCA Australia, has been noted saying that pit bull terriers had no redeeming features (from yesterday's article in The Age).

The RSPCA Victoria and Lost Dogs' Home are two shelters that are in support of the Victorian Government's proposal to destroy all stray pit bull terriers who are not claimed by their owners within eight days.  The RSPCA operates most of the pounds in Melbourne.

Agriculture Minister Keith Hamilton is the originator of the plan aimed at reducing the population of potentially aggressive dogs.

Says Mr. Hamilton, "To achieve this I am seeking an accord with all Victorian municipalities and animal welfare shelters that no pit bull terrier-type dog that is unclaimed after the mandatory eight days in the pound be made available for re-housing."

The RSPCA Victoria and Lost Dogs' Home have been already enforcing this policy for years.  Other shelters generally make efforts to re-home all animals not deemed unhealthy or dangerous.

RSPCA Australia National President, Dr Hugh Wirth can be contacted before 08.00 am on (03) 9817 3734, after 08.00am on (03) 9817 4561 or on 0418 501 830 at any time.

The general email address of the RSPCA Victoria is rspca@vicrspca.aust.com.  Please contact them for further explanations.

Related article:
Yes, officer.  He's the one who did it! (March 22)

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