Emptying the Kennels: New Pit Bull Rescue Determined to Depopulate Local Shelters

St. Paul, MN, May 31, 2018 --(PR.com)-- More than 3.3 million dogs enter shelters nationwide every year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Pit bull-type dogs are the number one breed taken in.

There are a handful of pit bull-specific rescues in Minnesota, but one new organization, 4 Pits Sake Rescue, is determined to empty the kennels and overcome the stigma that’s been demonizing the breed over the last decade.

“I wanted to bring awareness to others on what an amazing breed they are if they are treated humanely and with love and compassion,” Sara Romdenne, co-founder of 4 Pits Sake Rescue, said. “They are so misunderstood, and so many die each year only due to their breed. That is not acceptable to me. I do not believe that a dog should be discriminated against solely on their breed.”

Sara had been volunteering for other rescue organizations prior to creating 4 Pits Sake Rescue. She collaborated with fellow volunteer, Beth Paris, to create the rescue in the summer of 2017.

“Sara and I started the rescue after volunteering with numerous rescues through the metro area,” Beth said. “We both have always had a passion for the breed and dreamed of opening our own rescue one day. We have a lot of experience in bully breeds.”

After last year’s hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria tore through the coasts of the United States, destroying homes, neighborhoods and communities, thousands of dogs were left abandoned or homeless with nowhere to go. Rescue organizations around the nation stepped up to assist in rehoming animals affected by the storms and floods, but that left local shelters struggling to overcome their own overflowing kennels, which meant more animals were being euthanized to make room.

“As we watched so many dogs being pulled into Minnesota from out of state, we saw our own local dogs being euthanized,” said Beth. “We started a local, dog-only, pit bull-specific rescue to save Minnesota’s bully breeds in need. Until our shelters are cleared, we will not bring in dogs from out of state.”

The organization is non-profit and fully volunteer-based. In its first year of operation, 4 Pits Sake Rescue has pulled more than 60 dogs from local shelters, owner surrenders, and transfers from other rescues, and more than 40 of the dogs pulled have found permanent homes.

“Most of our expenses in rescue are related to vetting costs,” Beth said. “We ensure all dogs are sterilized, up to date on shots, are provided preventatives while in rescue and are micro-chipped before adoption. Our mission is to be able to take in dogs that are surrendered due to medical issues or need emergency medical care.”

To celebrate its one-year anniversary and progress, and to raise funds to better support its mission, 4 Pits Sake Rescue is hosting a party and fundraiser Saturday, June 2, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight at the VFW in Cottage Grove. The event includes door prizes, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, bake sale, pizza and beer while supplies last, and DJ entertainment. Tickets, which are $15, can be purchased at the door or online at www.4pitssakerescue.com.

According to 2017 intake data, Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) took in almost 1300 dogs. Of that number, more than 600 returned to owners, 300 transferred to rescues, and almost 250 were euthanized.

Approximately 670,000 dogs in shelters are euthanized every year, with pit bulls ranking number one in euthanasia, totaling more than 40% of the top five breeds euthanized in shelters, according to the ASPCA. However, they are also the second-most adopted breed.

4 Pits Sake Rescue is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer Bully breed dog rescue organization serving the Twin Cities, metro area, dedicated to rescuing dogs left homeless for whatever reason - dogs in public shelters where they are at elevated risk of euthanasia due to pet overpopulation, dogs given up by their owners because of difficult circumstances, and those in danger of abuse or neglect. 4PSR’s goals include opening a medical wing for dogs with ongoing medical needs, creating a hospice program for senior dogs to live out their final days in a home, and partnering with vets to help address PTSD and the benefit of having a dog as a companion while overcoming this.