The SF/SPCA strives to reach the highest level of protection for all the animals in our City. And pit bulls are no exception. We strongly believe that pit bulls who have been born and raised in responsible, caring homes and have been carefully evaluated can make excellent companion animals.

Unfortunately, not all pit bulls have had a positive upbringing, and it's no secret that the breed has attracted those who would encourage aggression, fighting, and violence. Indeed, in recent years, the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control has been involved in the arrest of several illegal dog fightersÑall of whom have used pit bulls exclusively. While it may be true that dogs of any breed can be bred and raised in ways that make them dangerous, pit bulls appear to be at particularly high risk of falling into the wrong hands.

But we don't agree that the answer is to ban pit bulls. However, because of these and other experiences with pit bulls of unknown history, we have decided to place only pit bulls with known origins for the time being. At the same time, the San Francisco Department of Animal Care and Control is not precluded from placing any animal they consider to be a suitable candidate for adoption.

The SF/SPCA will continue to rigorously screen all pit bulls by source as well as by direct observation. Only dogs that are from responsible sources and who pass extensive evaluation will be placed for adoption.