Champs growing fanbase may bring change for pit bulls

It wont be until Tuesday when a 10-day quarantine against Champ, a pit bull at the center of an animal cruelty case in Harlingen, is lifted. The dog's owner has been charged in the case. Police accuse jose Gonzales of punching his pet in the face, leaving the dog bloodied and cut, according to a report. The Harlingen Humane Society has been flooded with calls from people interested in asopting Champ should a judge decide the owner can't have him back. But the shelter doesn't adopt pit bulls to the general public. It's a rule the shelter's manager, Frank Quinones says dates back years. Champ has 2 strikes against him. It's not just the breed, but also because he's been reportedly abused. Frank says only specialized handlers or rescue groups can potentially save him from being put down. Animal lovers and pit bull fans alike have turned to social media outlets like facebook to try and save Champ. So why does the breed get the short end of the leash? Frank believes negative media exposure plays a large part in the fear. Champ has been a model resident. His daily report card shows well behaved. The same goes for other pit bulls currently at the shelter. While all of their futures remain up in the air, it's Champ who may ultimately bring change.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Champ
• Pit bull
• apodtion
• Animal Abuse

[apbtainc]

To destroy this dog because of his breed is a crime in itself. How do such ignorant people get into positions of power?

[hazeleyedwitch1]

In the 1800's pitbulls were called Nannie Dogs...because they were used to babysit children because of their gentle protectiveness. What have we done to change that image? WE taught them to be guards, fighting dogs and drug carriers. WE have to help them to become what they were so they arent : villainized

[tattooed4310]

Breed Specific Laws are wrong...period.....

[skitzisonfire]

Mindless thugs , those poor dogs

[SHERLOCKSNOOPY]

Military who must commit atrocities still get to come home and get rehab. We do not KILL THEM! We do not say they cannot make a different life for themselves. Dogs that are FORCED and trained to fight by humans should not be destroyed. THEY definatlely can be rehabilitated. It is the owners who make money by fighting these animals that should be destroyed. Military dogs get rehab!

[QUINCYGIRL]

SAVE THIS DOG! This is just stupid laws!!



[faeriekat1]

Champ deserves to have a life full of love!

[mythomasmoore]

Free Champ.

[ladiede]

How wrong is this a dog gets beat is an idea resident of the shelter and might get PTS??? Wrong, the guy should be put to sleep

[Terryh35]

After everything poor Champ has been through he deserves to be given a chance. Jail the idiot who treated him so cruelly and make him pay the costs of poor Champ's care. Let him live and find out how it feels to be loved.