The East Bay SPCA has been working for over 130 years to end the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats. Aggressive spay and neuter efforts are paying off. Euthanasia rates have dropped steadily since 1997 to the point that few, if any, adoptable dogs are being killed for lack of shelter space or homes in Alameda County. This is true except for pit bulls and pit mixes.

Adoptable, temperamentally sound, social dogs are still being killed in our community for no other reason then there being too few appropriate adopters for the number of dogs needing homes. Recent events have so stigmatized the breed that many responsible adopters are scared of adopting even the most well-mannered pit bull. In fact, some private shelters in the country do not adopt pit bulls because of the time and resources they can take until a permanent home is found.

The East Bay SPCA finds this an unacceptable solution and incompatible with its goal of ending the euthanasia of adoptable dogs and cats in our community.

At the same time, Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pitbulls (BAD RAP) has been focusing its efforts on a mission that includes educating the public about pit bulls and pit bull ownership, on providing resources to owners and potential adopters, and on rescuing the best examples of the breed.

Both organizations saw that there existed a gap between what each offers, and that which is most needed to meet their respective missions. The East Bay SPCA has shelter space and resources. BAD RAP has a wealth of experience in the breed, and how best to facilitate an adoption.

Pit Bull Hall is born

Merging these assets together, Pit Bull Hall was created. The shelter space, daily needs and medical care are provided by the East Bay SPCA. The actual selection of dogs for Pit Bull Hall, their assessment, their training and their adoption are all coordinated by BAD RAP.

From this, we will all learn. And hopefully, the community will learn that good--tempered pit bulls are wonderful pets; that poorly bred, ill-tempered pit bulls should not be available for adoption; that buying pit bull puppies from a back yard breeder is not a successful approach to finding a “good” pit bull; and that above all, all healthy, adoptable dogs deserve homes.

Welcome to Pit Bull Hall.