Humane Society Dedicates March to Restoring  American Pit Bull Terrier’s Reputation

By The Times of Noblesville | March 11, 2026
Every March, HSHC hosts Pit Bull Education Month, a campaign that touches every aspect of HSHC’s mission – saving lives, educating communities, and completing families. “Pit Bulls” have faced going on four decades of stigmatization, discrimination, and, in many cases, unthinkable abuse. HSHC’s social media outreach this month will share the facts vs. fiction when it comes to proving these dogs, once considered “America’s Dog,” still deserve to be.   “Every day, our front desk staff are faced with more and more visitors requesting to see any dog except a pit bull,” said Emma Nobbe, Community Engagement Manager. “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.”   That’s why HSHC is dedicating the month of March to educating the community about the history of the American Pit Bull Terrier, and how the breed, whose image was chosen to embody the strength and loyalty of America’s military during the World Wars, has since fallen from grace. In fact, these dogs arrived in America with settlers in the 1800’s and were revered as ideal family and working dogs. The American Pit Bull Terrier became a popular part of American culture and a beloved pet of famous figures like Teddy Roosevelt and Helen Keller.
Because the American Pit Bull Terrier and so many of their “bully breed” brothers and sisters have been catapulted to the wrong kind of fame over the last 40 years due to dog fighting, backyard breeding, and relentless breed misidentification by law enforcement and the media reports, they comprise the majority of dogs waiting, and dying, for someone to love in U.S. shelters.   “As with any dog breed, ‘pit bulls’ aren’t for everyone,” said Rebecca Stevens, president and CEO of HSHC. “But after 20 years of working with tens of thousands of dogs, the majority of whom have been what people call ‘pit bulls,’ there is no more loving, loyal, abused, and forgiving breed on the planet.”   HSHC invites the community to visit their website’s Pit Bull Education page–or even better–visit in person. “If you’re unsure about these dogs, but you’re willing to consider a different perspective, it would be my honor to personally connect with you,” added Stevens. “The only way we can save the lives of the dogs waiting longer, and giving up faster than our hearts can take, is if we can open more minds.” If you have an interest in learning more about the breed, Stevens can be contacted at ceo@hamiltonhumane.com.   As an incentive to adopt a “pit bull,” J.C. Hart Apartment Communities, which proudly welcomes “bully breed” dogs into their communities, and PODS Moving and Storage, are sponsoring $17 adoption fees for eligible dogs* all month.   HSHC adoption fees include the spay/neuter surgery, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccinations, as well as a complimentary wellness exam with a participating veterinarian, a free bag of food, and exclusive discounts from dozens of our sponsors.   To see the list of dogs available for adoption, visit our adoptable dog page at: https://www.hamiltonhumane.com/adopt/dogs. We encourage anyone interested in adopting a dog, or learning more about “pit bulls,” to visit us during adoption hours–12 pm to 5 pm, every day except Wednesdays, which is by appointment only. Please contact Stacy Clark at adoptionprograms@hamiltonhumane.com for a matchmaking appointment.   Can’t adopt but still want to help? Please consider donating at https://www.hamiltonhumane.com/pitbulldonate in honor of the dozens of Pit Bulls at HSHC in need of an angel.   *Exclusions apply to puppies 6 months and younger.
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