Agency offering promotion to educate public about misunderstood pit bulls

Just in time for Halloween, “Pumpkin,” a favorite of the Chester County SPCA staff, is available for adoption.

Among the spookiest, scariest creatures of the season, here’s one that the Chester County SPCA says unfairly sparks fear and shouldn’t: pit bulls.

To celebrate National Pit Bull Awareness Day on Saturday, Oct. 26 – a day of appreciation and education designed to change perceptions and stereotypes about pit bulls – the nonprofit animal advocacy agency is offering a reduced adoption fee on Saturday and Sunday.

Rich Britton, a spokesman for the Chester County SPCA, said the impetus for the event came from the agency’s volunteers, who have been saddened that prospective pet owners often overlook this breed.

Oliver is one of the prospective pets being offered by the Chester County SPCA during National Pit Bull Awareness Day on Saturday.

Britton said a special promotion last weekend resulted in more than 90 adoptions, but pit bulls with sweet dispositions like Pumpkin – who would make a perfect Halloween acquisition – and Oliver still remain available. This weekend’s Saturday and Sunday special of $50 includes, spaying/neutering, microchip, vaccinations, vet exam, food and more.

The ultimate goal of National Pit Bull Awareness Day is to promote the truth about the American Pit Bull Terrier, also known as pit bulls, negating the fear and bias that have circulated about this breed, Britton said. Once people are better educated about pit bulls, fewer will likely end up in shelters, Britton said. In the meantime, he and the agency’s volunteers want the public to know that some deserving animals are in need of a loving home.