PENNSYLVANIA, USA — October is the start of Pit Bull Awareness Month as animal shelters are working to combat what they say are harmful stereotypes against the breed.
The York County SPCA says pitbull-type dogs and their owners face many housing restrictions. That makes it difficult for families to find affordable housing for themselves and their pets.
They also say many people have negative stigmas about the dog's temperament, which makes it challenging to find suitable homes for them.
"It's sad to think that pit bulls sit in a shelter longer than any other breed of animal," said York County SPCA Executive Director Steven Martinez. "If we are successful in spreading the word of Pit Bull Awareness Month, then we can bust stereotypes and biases that people have about pit bulls and get them out of the shelter and into loving, permanent homes."
The York County SPCA will feature pit bull myth-busting educational videos on their social media throughout October.
They also plan to hold several adoption events centered around education and advocacy to help clear the shelters.