Pit Bull Overpopulation Problem

Fixing the Pit Bull Overpopulation Problem : 

Fixing the Pit Bull Overpopulation Problem Amelia Funghi Operations Director East Bay SPCA

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Founded in 1874 as Oakland SPCA Private, supported by 14,000 members Three facilities, including: Two high-volume spay/neuter surgery centers Two adoption centers One full-service veterinary clinic 2,000 adoptions per year 57 full-time staff

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Who We Serve

The Goals : 

The Goals In 1997, EBSPCA began a campaign to ensure a home for every adoptable animal in the East Bay: Expanded shelter space and improved animal behavior services to help ensure every adoptable dog and cat gets the support he or she needs to find a loving home. Greatly increased accessibility to, affordable spay and neuter services. Educating about humane values, responsible pet ownership and pet care.

Spay/Neuter Surgery Center Impact on Shelter Populations : 

Spay/Neuter Surgery Center Impact on Shelter Populations From 1997 – 2008: Built Oakland Spay Neuter Surgery Center in 1997 35 to 40 surgeries per day – 4 days per week Built Tri-Valley Spay Neuter Surgery Center in 2001 35 to 40 surgeries per day – 2 days per week

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Over 10,000 surgeries per year Over 80,000 spay/neuter surgeries to date

Basic Fees : 

Basic Fees Dog Spay or Neuter $100 Cat Spay or Neuter $60 Vaccines $14 Microchip $30 Ferals free

1997 to 2008 : 

1997 to 2008 East Bay public shelter intake decreased by nearly 40% East Bay public shelter euthanasia rates dropped by 60%

But What About Pits? : 

But What About Pits? For open admission shelters that reported their impound statistics for 2008, we know that:

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Approximately 35% of all dogs entering East Bay shelters are Pit Bulls or Pit Bull Mixed dogs 24% of non-Pit Bull or Pit Bull Mixed dogs are euthanized 59% of Pit Bull or Pit Bull Mixed dogs are euthanized

Why so many killed? : 

Why so many killed? Popularity of the breed has greatly increased the breeding rate & population = more supply than demand Large proportion of pit bulls end up in public shelters in early adulthood. Pit bulls are much less likely to get adopted Reputation created by media Excluded from coverage by homeowners and renter insurance. Large proportion of pit bull owners are not fixing their dogs

Why aren’t people having their Pit Bulls spayed/neutered? : 

Why aren’t people having their Pit Bulls spayed/neutered?

What We’ve Learned - Marketing : 

What We’ve Learned - Marketing Our traditional spay/neuter program marketing did not reach many Pit Bull owners. Language Limited access to the web Institutional culture: a “come-to-us” approach Affordability

What We’ve Learned - Economics : 

What We’ve Learned - Economics Pit Bull puppies are a source of income for families living in our community. One puppy can demand $1,000 Purchased puppies are not spayed/neutered Fewer Pits and Pit Mixes from shelters are adopted. (Shelter dogs usually leave fixed.)

The Program : 

The Program Four free slots per day for Pit Bulls and Pit Bull Mixed dogs, regardless of income *1200/year ($120,000/year in lost revenue) Three additional low income slots per day *900/year - ($90,000/year in lost revenue)

Getting the Word Out : 

Getting the Word Out PSAs – Spanish and English Clinic mailings Partnerships with Animal Control

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Getting the Word Out Door hangers

VaccinationFairs : 

VaccinationFairs Two-hour event featuring free vaccinations, free micro-chipping Four fairs per year Held in underserved low-income neighborhoods Free leashes, collars given away Pit Bull experts on site to give behavioral advice Free Spay Neuter Vouchers handed out. 45% of dogs are pit bulls and pit bull mixes

Marketing the Fairs : 

Marketing the Fairs Location is Key – Community Centers Mailings in Spanish and English to targeted zip code area Banner at site of the Fair posted a week prior to the event. Flyers handed out at local public animal shelter

Getting the Word OutTargeted post card mailings : 

Getting the Word OutTargeted post card mailings

Vaccination Fair Numbers : 

Vaccination Fair Numbers 2008 Fairs to date 763 attendees 705 DHLPP/DHPP 600 rabies 327 microchips 400 spay/neuter vouchers

Bay Area Pit Fix : 

Bay Area Pit Fix Created in 2004 to generate media and public awareness Designated week when spay/neuter surgeries are free all day for Pit Bulls in the entire Bay Area Collaboration of Bay Area Animal Welfare facilities Each participating organization chooses the day or days to participate and how many surgeries they can offer- anywhere from 5 to 30 surgeries per group East Bay SPCA provides the marketing Press releases and PSAs to local media Provides promotional materials to participating organizations

Results - average of 250 pit bulls fixed for free during this week- increased awareness through media coverage. : 

Results - average of 250 pit bulls fixed for free during this week- increased awareness through media coverage.

Measuring SuccessA Challenging Endeavor : 

Measuring SuccessA Challenging Endeavor Over 1200 pit bulls fixed each year and… 35% of dog entering public shelters are still pit bulls and pit bull mixes. Attitudinal change and ‘harm reduction’ How many would have entered otherwise? Over 900 dogs vaccinated for free.

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A Different Model

S.N.Y.P.Spay Neuter Your Pet : 

S.N.Y.P.Spay Neuter Your Pet Berkeley California’s low cost spay neuter program Established in 2000 Low cost voucher program for Berkeley residents Funded by City of Berkeley

How it Works : 

How it Works Berkeley residents get surgery vouchers at the City Animal Shelter Vouchers are used at any of 5 local veterinary clinics Vouchers Cost* $25 for dogs $15 for cats *free for pit bulls and low-income residents

S.N.Y.P Marketing : 

S.N.Y.P Marketing Flyers at participating vet offices Flyers handed out in low-income neighborhoods and at community events Web site Bus shelter ads

Funding and Economics : 

Funding and Economics Vets bill the city for surgeries Prices range from $60 for male cat to $120 for large female dog City budgets $30,000 annually City animal control shelter adds up to $15,000 more from donations

S.N.Y.P. Outcomes : 

S.N.Y.P. Outcomes Average usage 25 to 30 dogs per month 330 dog per year 35 to 40 cats per month 450 cats per year In 6 years 1980 dogs 2700 cats Approximately 50% of dogs fixed have been Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes

For More Information : 

For More Information Amelia Funghi: 510-563-4610 afunghi@eastbayspca.org or info@eastbayspca.org Visit our website: www.eastbayspca.org