Pit bulls overwhelming dog shelters

In recent times a massive number of pit bulls have been left at the animal shelter in Breda. "Half of our shelter is occupied by these races." Nicole Bolijn, manager of the shelter, said on Tuesday. She expects that the number will only rise, Omroep Brabant reports. According to Bolijn, the cause of this problem is the lifting of the Regulations of Aggressive Animals (pit bull law) in 2008, making the race legal in the Netherlands. "From that moment on this breed has become a fashion dog. Everyone had to have such a dog. Just like dalmatians years ago." People buy pit bulls without realizing how much care it takes to raise the dog. "This kind of breed needs a lot of exercise. It is a powerful, strong dog. They need a strong hand in the raising." The proper raising is absolutely essential in this breed of dog. "Otherwise it goes wrong. Then the pit bull will bite things and people." These dogs bite less frequently than some other dogs, such as chihuahuas. But because they are so powerful, one bite can do a lot of damage. According to Bolijn the only solution is the re-education of man. "People need to think more deeply about the dog they buy. Pit bulls and Strafford-like dogs can be cute, but think carefully whether you can be this dog's owner."