Dogs should be spayed or neutered
To the editor,
The tragic mauling death of a 7-day-old New Port Richey infant by a pit bull mix – who reportedly wasn’t neutered – should serve as a wake-up call for dog guardians.
Dogs who haven’t been spayed or neutered tend to be more territorial and more aggressive, making them three times more likely to bite than sterilized dogs are. And while this may not have been the case in this situation, pit bulls are the breed of choice for dogfighters and people who chain, beat, and starve them to turn them into cheap alarm systems or living weapons – which can make them more likely to bite.
I hope this terrible attack encourages people to protect their families, themselves and their dogs by reporting cruelty and always having their dogs spayed or neutered.
For the nearest low-cost spay/neuter clinics, call 1-800-248-SPAY. Visit www.HelpingAnimals.com to learn more.
Lindsay Pollard-Post
Research Specialist, The PETA Foundation
Norfolk, Va.