$17 adoption fee set for select pit bulls at Humane Society in Fishers

FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — The Humane Society for Hamilton County and two sponsors are offering $17 adoption fees for select pit bull dogs as part of Pit Bull Education Month.

The initiative has focused on educating people about a breed that has faced nearly 40 years of discrimination and abuse after once being considered “America’s Dog.” According to a news release from the shelter at 10501 Hague Road in Fishers, pit bulls make up the majority of the population in U.S. shelters due to issues such as backyard breeding, dog fighting, and frequent breed misidentification in media reports.

Emma Nobbe, community engagement manager for the society, said in a statement in the release, “Every day, our front desk staff are faced with more and more visitors requesting to see any dog except a pit bull. Most of these folks have never actually met a pit bull, but rather, have been negatively influenced by inaccurate media reporting and a lack of understanding about the dozens of dog breeds, let alone mixes thereof, who have similar physical characteristics to the American Pit Bull Terrier.”

J.C. Hart Apartment Communities and PODS Moving and Storage are the sponsors of the initiative. The $17 adoption fee incentive is available for dogs older than 6 months. These fees include services such as spay or neuter surgeries, microchipping...