Since 'Fix-A-Bull' program started in 2011, nearly 700 dogs have been spayed, neutered
12/7/2012Calling all owners of unneutered and unspayed “pit bull” and “pit bull” mixes: The Lucas County Dog Warden wants to fix your dog in its “Fix-A-Bull” program.
The department has funds left from a $76,800 PetSmart charities grant to alter another 300 dogs.
Since the program began in April, 2011, the pound has paid for the altering of nearly 700 dogs, said Dog Warden Julie Lyle. The program is run through Humane Ohio, 3131 Tremainsville Rd.
“We’ve completed over 670,” Ms. Lyle said. “I think that's actually pretty great. But, of course, we want to complete all that we have funding for: 1,000 total.”
The dog warden received the first half of the grant from PetSmart Charities — a national nonprofit organization that has provided about $110 million in grants for animal-welfare issues — in April, 2011, and limited the program to only Toledo residents. In May, 2012, the program was expanded to all of Lucas County. Included in the “Fix-a-Bull” program is a microchip to help reunite lost dogs with their owners.
Many of the reasons people give for not altering their dogs are easily refutable, Ms. Lyle said. Sometimes all that’s need is education.
“There are the typical myth’ about neuter, some owners don’t want their dog to lose his "manliness” or they want to raise puppies,” Ms. Lyle said. “There could still be people hesitant to report their dog as a ‘pit bull,’ or they don’t want to get a dog license.”
The reality is that spayed and neutered dogs typically live longer and have fewer health and behavior problems, she said.
Humane Ohio offered a separate deal this summer called “Primp Your Pit” that fixed 99 pit bulls that did not qualify for Fix-a-Bull for $20 each. Dogs that did not qualify include those outside Lucas County or unlicensed dogs.
“‘Pit bull’ and ‘pit bull’ mixes are by far the highest number of animals we deal with,” Ms. Lyle said. “If they continue to reproduce on the street, we’re not taking care of the problem.”
So Humane Ohio offers the special “Primp Your Pit” promotion every August. The group fixes pit bulls anywhere in Northwest Ohio or Southeast Michigan for $20.
The deal includes a coupon for a free grooming and nail trim at Penta Career Center/Small Animal Care in Perrysburg.
“Pit bulls” and “pit” mixes are one of the most common breeds in shelters, and therefore one of the most euthanized, said Jill Borkowski, Humane Ohio marketing director.
Many of the dogs taken in at the dog warden’s office this year have been “pit bulls” or “pit bull mixes.” Of those, a small number of strays have been claimed; that’s why microchipping is part of the grant, she added.
Residents of Lucas County who would like to get their licensed “pit bull” or “pit bull” mix dog fixed and microchipped for $5 can call Humane Ohio at 419-266-5607 and mention “Fix-A-Bull.”
Contact Tanya Irwin at: tirwin@theblade.com or 419-724-6066.