As reported on WCNC yesterday, pit bulls used for dogfighting purposes can be adopted.
Sara Enos, founder of the American Pit Bull Foundation and a strong pit bull advocate, indicates that "nine times out of 10, there is something that can be done, as far as rehabilitation with these dogs."
This comes as both Melvin Smith, age 46, and Lefonze Williams, age 42, appear in court today. Both are charged with training animals for dog fighting and baiting, which are felonies.
CMPD seized 27 dogs from an alleged dogfighting ring on Friday. There were also two puppies that were deceased. The dogs will be kept as evidence until the trial is settled or their owners surrender them.
Evaluations of the dogs by Animal Care and Control will take place to see if the pit bulls can be adopted.
Sara Enos said that it is very possible that a majority of the 27 dogs will be able to find homes.
Rehabilitation is key with time and temperament testing key factors. Situations that could possibly draw out their dogfighting reactions are put in place, and then assessment is made.
Enos speaks of a blue pit bull named Tabitha who was rescued in south Florida last summer. Tabitha was very afraid of people and most likely used in a dogfighting ring.
Deyne Munavilli, Tabitha's new owner, said that she "was scared of humans, scared of men. She may have been a bait dog due to the scarring on her face and some of the behavior that was initial to me."
Munavilli has spent time working with Tabitha since last July to get her acclimated to sharing a home with her husband and four year old son.
"A lot of touch, contact, and voice commands," have been key factors in rehabilitating Tabitha, says Munavilli.
When NBC Charlotte cameras came to Deyne's home on Sunday night, both Tabitha and her dog friend, Blue, also a pit bull, remained calm and relaxed.
Munavilli always walks Tabitha on a leash and walks her frequently. She doesn't worry about Tabitha at home and gave the big dog a hug and ear scratch.
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