PETS: Spay & Neuter Coalition of the Southeast Aims to Reduce Pit Bull Euthanasia Rates

by | Lifestyle, Pets

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A Million Pit Bulls Euthanized Annually in the U.S.

Pit bulls, a generic term for dogs that have both bulldog and terrier traits, are frequently among the first to be euthanized in American shelters when space and resources get short.

Those of us with pitties know there are many misconceptions about these dogs — that they’re vicious and unsafe family pets. At least partially as a result, the majority of pit bulls in shelters spend their final days waiting for adopters that never come. Pitties that would be couch potatoes and cuddle bugs, loving lifetime pets, never get the opportunity. Support the newly formed spay and neuter coalition of the Soughteast via their Go Fund Me link.

Change is Coming!

The newly formed Spay & Neuter Coalition of the Southeast wants to change that.

The Coalition is the idea of longtime rescue advocate and volunteer Susan Stump, who wanted to approach the problem of pet overpopulation at its root. The Spay & Neuter Coalition brings together existing 501c3 non-profit animal welfare groups and experts to offer free sterilization services to pit bull type dogs in high-need areas in the south.

Stump says, “What makes our approach a little different is that it’s pit bulls, and we are going to target only a couple areas at a time with the intention of altering by volume in those communities in hopes to have a positive impact on the save rate immediately.”

While some of the more specific details are still in the works, the Spay & Neuter Coalition’s intent is to work with county spay and neuter clinics to use their space for the surgeries, performed by licensed veterinarians volunteering their time. Ideally, the Coalition will have enough resources secured to begin offering services in March 2023, and sponsor 25-30 surgeries in a day.


Susan Stump, founder of the Spay & Neuter Coalition of the Southeast, first became involved in rescue in 2009 when she served as the de facto guardian angel of her neighbor’s dog, which lived on a short, heavy chain with no shelter from the elements. She bought him a doghouse and provided supplies for him during the time she lived next door.

Lisa Schauseil, Director of Big Hearts Big Barks Foundation, one of the non-profits making up the coalition, is especially eager to offer these services to the community.  “Just ONE unspayed female can result in 508 unwanted dogs in a 7-year span,” she says. “Spay and neuter reduces the number of unwanted dogs and keeps them out of shelters and not at risk for euthanasia. Less strain on the shelters and rescues means more dogs can get their happily ever after.”

Running for Rescues and Underdog Outreach Project are the other groups comprising the Coalition. Jana Aviles, a former Placement Coordinator/Shelter Care Supervisor for Cabarrus County and Director for Stanly County Animal Protective Services, is also involved, as is Dr. Angela Sokoloff of Sycamore Animal Clinic in Mint Hill. Learn more about what each brings to the Coalition here.

How You Can Help

Donate. The Spay & Neuter Coalition of the Southeast is currently fundraising with a goal of reaching $40,000 as soon as possible, so they can hit their March 2023 target to begin offering services. To contribute and/or share the link, visit the Go Fund Me page here.

Volunteer. The coalition needs veterinarian volunteers from all around both Carolinas. If you are a veterinarian and would be willing to donate your time, please message Susan Stump via the Coalition’s Facebook page.

Follow and share. Help get the word out about the coalition by following and sharing updates on Facebook.

Adopt Momma Grey

Momma Grey is available through Nothing Mutt Love Rescue. She is a 2-3 year old, dark grey shepherd mix who just finished raising 8 puppies. With her mama duties behind her, this beautiful girl is ready for a home of her very own. Momma Grey is extremely sweet, loving, and great with kids. She is also fully house-trained and will be a low-maintenance pet for her forever family. 

Please send an email to nothingmlrescue@gmail.com for an adoption application.

Article and photos by Timina Stengel, Foster/Adopter/Rescue Advocate: Timina Stengel
Timina Stengel

Timina is the full time Personal Assistant/Mom to her rescue pitty Stella. She also has two human teenagers and works as a content strategist.

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