Should pit bulls be labeled as "not adoptable" by our shelter and put to deathÑjust for being pit bulls? To take healthy, well-behaved pit bulls that we have found eligible for placement, classify them as "not adoptable," and automatically euthanize them just because they are of a particular breed would compromise the integrity of our adoption program. This we will not do.

At the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control, we take in and care for every animal in San Francisco that needs refuge. And it is our policy to give every one of our charges a chance for life, judging each case individually, and taking special precautions with those that may be likely targets for abuse and mistreatment.

All of us who operate animal shelters know there are no absolute guarantees with any animals we place. All we can do is screen every animal and every adopter as carefully as resources will allow. Our policy regarding Pit Bulls attests to the fact that we have rigid procedures in place to screen dogs of this breed, and people who want to adopt them.

These animals will be made available for adoption on a restricted basis to individuals and families who fulfill our screening standards. They will also be offered to rescue clubs and other shelters.