Pit bulls are often perceived as overly aggressive and dangerous. This is due in large part to the actions of disreputable owners and breeders who mistreat the dogs or harness the breed’s natural strength and power in inappropriate ways.
As a result, many pit bulls end up in shelters where they are often euthanized. Many communities have even passed ordinances banning the breed completely. Organizations such as Animal Farm Foundation, Austin Pets Alive!, and Universal K-9 are saving pit bulls from shelters and giving them a career in the process.
Canine officers are an invaluable part of police forces around the country. They assist in search and rescue, cadaver recovery, criminal apprehension, narcotics detection, and much more. A purebred German Shepherd or Belgian Malinois, which are the breeds most often used in police and military work, can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000.
A number of animal rescue organizations are working with local police departments to rescue and train pit bulls for police duty. The breed is highly intelligent, obedient, and can be trained to perform almost any task. The police trainers working with the rescued pit bulls say that the dogs are well-adapted to police work. In fact, the only problem they seem to have is getting them to be aggressive enough.
Animal groups collaborating with police departments in adopting pit bull K-9 officers hope that the effort will change public perception of the breed. They hope that the public will learn that the pit bull can be as loyal, sweet, and loving as any other breed.