The pits graduate from obedience school
Contributed by the Humane Society/HSPCA

Two of the eight pit bulls rescued by the Humane Society in early February will celebrate their graduation from obedience school with a Pit Bull Graduation party Saturday, May 24 at noon at the Three Dog Bakery in Five Points. The event is open to the public (and their pooches) and will have delicious graduation cake for four legged partiers.

Chance, an eight-month male pit bull, and Carmella, a one- year female pit bull graduated from obedience school, the second phase of the rehabilitation in the Humane Society's program to get them ready for a new life with a permanent family.

Chance and Carmella were put on the fast track of the "recycle- a- bull" project (a program of the HSPCA that takes pit bulls from abusive- /neglectful situations and rehabilitates them to become adoptable companion pets). From there, they were fostered in homes to become socialized, a crucial step to acclimate their comfort level with humans and other dogs. Eight weeks of obedience training followed.

Their graduation falls on the heels of a new bill, 5010, introduced by Rep. Jeffery Duncan, that specifically names pit bulls as dangerous animals and leaves interpretation of any other "dangerous" breeds up to local government to ban or put further regulations on. These proposed changes to section 47- 3- 710 of the South Carolina Code of Laws places the blame and burden of responsibility on the breed, not the irresponsible owner.

Chance and Carmella are a good representation of the pit bull breed. Even though their beginning wasn't optimal, they were able to be rehabilitated into good canine citizens. The Humane Society is starting a petition against Bill 5010 to stop breed discrimination. The petition will be available to sign at the Pit Bull Graduation party on May 24 or on www.ipetitions.com/petition/ humanesc/?e.

The Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an independent 501 (c) 3 organization whose mission is to prevent animal cruelty and companion animal overpopulation. The Humane Society strives to educate the public on the humane treatment of animals; investigates complaints and works to resolve instances of animal abuse and neglect, and operates a low cost spay/neuter clinic to help reduce the number of unwanted animals.