Pit Bulls Put Down At Alarming Rate

CHICAGO (CBS) -- It's A dark reality for one breed of animal, forever fighting an unwanted image.

Pit bulls waiting to find new homes in city shelters are being put down at an alarming rate in Chicago.

CBS 2's Chris Martinez takes a look at the startling numbers and the reason behind them in this original report.

An overwhelming number of pit bulls dumped at the pound won't get a second chance.

When asked how big of a problem it is, Paula Fassais of Paws Chicago said,"It's a huge problem."

Of the more than 10,000 animals put down at the city animal shelter in a year's time, we're told pit bulls have, by far, the highest head count.

"Several hundred pit bulls a month are being put down," said Fassais.

Fassais says it's getting worse. The root is over-breeding on a massive scale by people looking to make a quick buck.

"And then they find out 'oh I can't sell them' or 'I'm moving out of town' and they just dump them at the animal care and control," said Fassais.

We wanted to show you that staggering amount left in the city's charge, but they would not allow us in.

Still sources describe a revolving door of adoptable pits, even puppies, crowding limited space lasting a few weeks before they have to be put down, to make room for more.

It's the reason paws tries to rescue several a day and runs this low cost spay and neuter clinic. Their goal is to break the cycle.

"They're not bad animals," said pet owner Jose Morales. "They're good animals!"

Of course, there's no joy at the pound in putting these animals down.

But they say unless more people step up to adopt they have no choice, and keep in mind, several other shelters in the city are facing this very same problem.