(Note:  This proposal does not necessarily “fit” the established recommendation categories, so we have chosen to present it with Recommendation #1 “Increase Live Outcomes” because of the public awareness component, but if there is a desire to concentrate on this issue as a separate item, we are open to that.  It is Love-A-Bull’s intent to bring forth a “starter proposal” as follows, for the purpose of initiating the discussion of pit bulls and pit bull mixes in the shelter system.)

In order to achieve a 90% live outcomes goal, it is important to address the challenging issue of re-homing pit bulls and pit bull mixes that currently constitute approximately a third (or more) of the shelter population.  These dogs suffer from a lower adoption rate (and higher euthanasia rate), because of several reasons:

• Stigma/negative stereotype attached to breed label
• Over-breeding/population (sheer numbers in the community)
• Behaviors that are mis-identified (kennel frustration = aggression)
• Lack of awareness of community resources for adopters (training, support network, information, etc.)
• No breed-specific rescue in Austin
• Lack of housing options for potential adopters

Other contributing factors:

• Tendency to label any dog with large head, stocky or muscular body as “pit bull,” regardless of other characteristics which may more closely align to other breeds
• No behaviorist/trainer on staff at TLAC to correctly identify behavioral or temperament issues
• No organized, consistent effort to counter media stories with accurate information

Proposed action items for TLAC:

• Launch concentrated PR campaign to increase awareness and spread positive image of pit bulls (television, radio, newspaper, social networking, adoption sites, shelter presence, community events, etc.):
• Create cute, informative “personal ads” that focus on dogs’ attributes, placed on kennels
• Feature on every kennel the free training info and support that Love-A-Bull offers      to adopters
• Change terminology to “pittie” or other similar moniker to soften breed stigma
• Display and incorporate visual examples of pits in home environments, doing therapy work, participating in agility, playing with other dogs, children, etc. in as many places as possible
• Use breed ambassadors as role models in public events, media stories, etc.
• Partner with Love-A-Bull to provide campaign support, resources and assistance to potential and new adopters as well as community at large
• Strive for more pits to be pulled for off-site adoptions and fostering
• Meet with Apartment Managers Association and other local rental management agencies to discuss lifting breed-specific housing restrictions

Timeframe:  Starting immediately, or as soon as practicable

Measurable: 
TLAC:  Track interest in pits through adoption applications, track numbers of adopted pits, and implement short survey of adoption applicants
Love-A-Bull:  Track those members joining Love-A-Bull via TLAC (or APA) adoption

Austin Pets Alive has also created a proposal, which can be viewed here: http://www.austinpetsalive.org/APA-Proposal-Adoption-Program.pdf