Polk County Bully Project PCBP: Bully breeds are a category of dog that have a blocky head. It is a category made up of about ten different breeds of dogs that include the American bulldog, Staffordshire terrier, and Pitbull, to name a few.
Since starting the Polk County Bully Project (PCBP), Co-directors Shannon Medina and Angie Lorio and their now 30 active volunteers have saved over 1,200 dogs. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is a foster-based rescue organization dedicated to finding homes for the often misunderstood breed of pups that fall into the ‘Pit Bull’ category and reducing euthanasia rates in Polk County. LKLD first interviewed the Polk County Bully Project in 2019 and wanted to catch up with the group to learn about their progress and find out how the community can help PCBP reach its goals.
LKLD: Bully breeds have a bad reputation. What would you say to someone who thinks of them as dangerous or illtempered to change that perception? PCBP: I would equivocate that to any other prejudice. Any dog can be trained to be protective of their owners. This breed is extremely loyal and smart. They are factually the most abused breed than any other. They score 87% on the temperament test as being excellent, loving, and gentle family dogs.
LKLD: What is the mission of the PCBP? PCBP: We save those dogs most at risk at Animal Control which typically are the bully breeds that makeup 75% of the dogs in the shelter. Dogs labeled ‘pit bull’ are rescueonly and are not allowed to be adopted out at Polk County Animal Control. We pull those dogs also that are in need of medical treatment and/or hospice care or are heartworm positive.
LKLD: How do you go about accomplishing your goal to save dogs? PCBP: We fundraise to pay for vetting and housing and have the support of our community. We are currently working on a spay and neuter voucher program to assist those unable to alter their pets.
LKLD: What is a bully breed, and why does your organization aim to help bully breeds specifically?
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