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Tall Tails

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Last updated: October 18, 2012 3:10 p.m.

‘Kill a Pit Bull Night’ flyer raises concerns in Fort Wayne

Statement as issued Thursday by Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control:

A flyer that has been (circulating on) the internet, now has local citizens calling and expressing their concerns that someone is promoting Halloween, October 31 as “Kill a Pit Bull Night.” The flyer may be a hoax or it may be an honest attempt to encourage (deliberate) acts of violence towards pits and pit mix dogs. Animal Care & Control is encouraging all pet owners to be extra (vigilant) by supervising all dogs and cats that are outside for any period of time and to report suspicious behaviors.

Parents and pet owners are urged to follow these additional Halloween safety tips:

  • Pets will be safest if kept inside the house or other enclosed building, and should not be alone when outside.
  • Arrange for pets to be confined in a separate room of the home during trick-or-treat hours. Dogs, in particular, may become frightened or agitated by numerous visitors.
  • Keep Halloween candies out of the reach of pets, including the candies your children receive. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats. Tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed.
  • The best-dressed pet should be wearing a collar with identification attached. If you dress your pet in costume, make sure your pet’s nose, eyes, and mouth are not covered and that the pet can move normally while in the costume. Take photos, enjoy the moment, and then remove the costume. If your pet seems distressed, remove the costume right away.
  • Keep open flames from candles and jack-o-lanterns out of the reach of pets and children.
  • Instruct children not to interact with an animal they might encounter on the street or at a home they visit. A child in costume may cause an animal to react unpredictably.
If your pet should disappear, visit Animal Care & Control at 3020 Hillegas Road to search for your lost animal. The Shelter is open for general business Monday – Friday, from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Report any attempts of animal cruelty witnessed by calling 260-427-1244 or 260- 427-1222.

Note from Tall Tails

Snopes.com and other myth-busting websites say that the flyer was a hoax that got started in Missouri, aimed at a councilman who helped develop a pet ordinance. He never proposed violence against any pet.

Nevertheless, the item went viral and has raised concerns across the nation.

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