MADACC says several pit bulls in desperate need of homes

WEST MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- When discussing the wonderful world of dogs, there always seems to be debate over pit bulls. One Milwaukee organization says several dogs of that particular breed are looking for a good home.

Nearly 400 people signed up for the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission's (MADACC) annual low-cost vaccination clinic on Saturday, March 29th. As Sonya Page waited in line with her pit bull, Kendra, he thoughts turned to the dozens of other pit bulls waiting inside for a forever home.

"Forty-five percent of the dogs that come into this facility are pit bulls," said MADACC Executive Director Karen Sparapani. "All these dogs are great companions. You're really doing a great thing when you look past everything and take one of these dogs home."

Typically, when a dog or cat is rescued by animal control, the owner comes to claim it within a week. That isn't usually the case with pit bulls.

"We'll have pit bulls here for about two months. That's the average of how long it takes to get adopted or pulled by a shelter or rescue," said Sparapani.

One pit bull, Emily, has been at MADACC for two weeks. She was hit by a car and workers are nursing her back to health. So far, no one has called or come looking to claim her.

MADACC says adult pit bulls are the most difficult dogs to find homes for. The organization will never euthanize an adoptable pet, but 80% of those they do put down are pit bulls suffering from unrecoverable injuries, or dogs that have bitten other animals or people.

Pit bull parents say their beloved pets get a bad rap -- that many are neglected or treated poorly.

"I think it's just based on the owner and how you treat your dog," said Page. "Pit bulls are just dogs. They are just like every other dog back there."

MADACC only adopts out pit bulls and cats due to the sheer volume of those pets in their organization. During the summer months, the group expects to take in 30 to 50 cats per day.