The Humane Society of the United States on February 23 issued an
interim policy recommending all dogs be evaluated as individuals, and
is calling a meeting of leading animal welfare organizations concerning
dogs victimized by dog fighting.
Wayne Pacelle, chief executive officer and president of the Humane
Society of the United States, suggested the meeting of major
stakeholders in Las Vegas to work through the associated issues. This
meeting is in response to concerns expressed by Best Friends Animal
Society in December 2008 regarding HSUS policies related to animals
confiscated in dog-fighting busts.
Pacelle said the meeting, scheduled for April, will include the
participation of national stakeholder organizations that deal with pit
bulls. The meeting was in the planning stages before Superior Court
Judge Ed Wilson Jr. ruled that 145 pit bulls, including approximately
70 puppies, confiscated from Wildside Kennels in Wilkes County, North
Carolina, would be euthanized without evaluation to determine
suitability for placement.
The new interim policy announced by the HSUS, pending the outcome of
the meeting, recommends that local law enforcement and animal control
evaluate such dogs as individuals rather than as a category before any
decision is made regarding their future.
“We expect government, corporations, and individuals to constantly
re-evaluate how they deal with animal issues,” Pacelle said. “Likewise,
we regularly review our own policies and procedures here at HSUS, and
we think it is important to talk with professional colleagues in the
movement to examine issues related to the disposition of fighting dogs.

“I am pleased to discuss these issues with personnel from Best Friends
and other organizations interested in the welfare of pit bulls.”
Julie Castle, director of Community Programs and Services for Best
Friends said, “There had been more than enough airing of feelings and
outrage that the dogs were not evaluated prior to being summarily
euthanized. It was time to hit the reset button on this in order to
move things forward in a constructive way. Mr. Pacelle was open and
receptive to what we had to say and we are looking forward to our
meetings in April.”
Best Friends, through its campaign, “Pit Bulls: Saving America’s Dogs,”
is looking forward working cooperatively with HSUS, according to
Castle.
The campaign is aimed in part at educating the public and the media
about pit bulls in order to help save the breed’s reputation. “Our goal
is to bring positive change to lives and image of pit bulls,” she said.

Written by Best Friends staff
Photo of Meryl, a Vicktory dog, by Gary Kalpakoff
As part of Best Friends’ 25th anniversary in 2009, our goal is to
double our membership, so we can double our efforts to bring about a
time when all companion animals have a forever home. What can you do to
help? Give the Gift of a Best Friends membership to family and friends.