Decision to euthanize pit bulls protested

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Florida animal advocates say they're upset by a decision to euthanize more than 100 pit bulls confiscated by authorities from a dogfighting ring.

The dogs were put down after they were seized Friday from a Jacksonville, Fla., home where four people were arrested on dogfighting charges. City animal control officials said some of the pit bulls had contagious ringworm and all had been trained to be aggressive, WJXT-TV, Jacksonville, reported Wednesday.

But the decision to euthanize them has brought protests from area animal rescue groups, the station said.

"I just cried. It's just a shame when people make mistakes the animals have to pay," said Gail Bondi of Happy Tails Animal Rescue, adding that even though her rescue facility is full she contends some of the dogs could have been saved.

Mike Vermette of Mike's Doghouse pit bull rescue in Palatka, Fla., told the WJXT-TV that while he doesn't totally agree with the city's decision, he doubted there were other options because of the high cost of caring for sick dogs.