NH: Manchester Animal Shelter Hosts Pit Bull Education Da

Manchester Animal Shelter Hosts Pit Bull Education Day
Shelter Aims To Encourage Responsible Pit Bull Ownership

POSTED: 1:29 am EDT May 2, 2010
UPDATED: 1:47 am EDT May 2, 2010

MANCHESTER, N.H. --
Pit bulls were the focus of a special educational event at the Manchester Animal Shelter on Saturday.

The shelter hosted pit bull obedience and agility demonstrations and invited dog owners to bring their own leashed pit bulls.

The event was scheduled before two Manchester children were bitten by a pit bull on Orange Street last week.

That dog remains under police quarantine at the shelter while an investigation continues.

The goal of Saturday's event was to educate people that with the proper training and a stable home pit bulls can be safe, loyal dogs.

"There is an importance to training. They can be really really smart and loveable but just like any other dog or person you have to train and teach pit bulls," said Thad Laventure who owns three pit bulls.

The manager of the Manchester Animal Shelter says they are currently overwhelmed with pit bulls that have been found abandoned and wandering city streets

The shelter is currently providing care to 16 pit bulls, the largest number in the shelter's history.

In an effort to ensure pit bulls do not end up abused, or trained to fight, the Manchester Animal Shelter is now offering to spay or neuter any pit bull belonging to a city owner for free.

Shelter organizers say anyone who is approved to adopt a pit bull will also receive five free weeks of obedience training.

For more information call the Manchester Animal Shelter at (603) 628-3544 or visit Manchester Animal Shelter

Manchester Animal Shelter Hosts Pit Bull Education Day - New Hampshire News Story - WMUR Manchester