Fredericton SPCA saves 2 condemned Ont. pit bulls

The Fredericton SPCA is taking in two condemned pit bulls from Ontario.

The dogs are considered illegal under Ontario's Dog Owner's Liability Act and must be destroyed.

But the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is hoping to find them new, legal homes in New Brunswick.

'They have a bad reputation, which is unfounded, because unfortunately, any breed is susceptible to unbalanced dogs.' —Stephanie Walsh, Fredericton SPCA

"We've seen pit bulls and pit bull terriers in our facility. They're a very common breed, they're all over North America," said spokeswoman Stephanie Walsh.

"They have a bad reputation, which is unfounded, because unfortunately, any breed is susceptible to unbalanced dogs, and people really need to be accountable for responsible pet ownership and the behaviour of their animals."

The dogs, Peyton and Rocky, were brought in to the SPCA in Barrie, Ont. But rather than put them down, staff put out a plea to animal shelters in other provinces, said Walsh.

Peyton, a female, about one to two years old, and Rocky, a three-year-old male, are both healthy and behaviourally sound, she said.

They are both neutered and have up-to-date vaccinations.

Walsh is optimistic the SPCA will find homes for them.

"We had a litter of pit bull puppies a year ago that were very easy to relocate, but again, we're very cautious who we send them to, the circumstances and the environment they're going to," she said.

The dogs were expected to arrive Friday.

The SPCA plans to hold the dogs for three days to do its own health and behaviour assessments before putting them up for adoption.