K9 Kiah Proves Pit Bulls Can Work in Law Enforcement

A time to celebrate the contributions made by dogs dubbed ‘bully breeds,’ National Pit Bull Awareness Day will be observed on October 24th.

Although Pit Bull-type dogs have played a prominent role in history, from an American Staffordshire Terrier’s portrayal of Petey in the classic Our Gang comedies to World War I hero Sergeant Stubby (a Bull Terrier who defended his fellow soldiers of the 102nd Infantry), today Pitties are often find themselves plagued by misconceptions. Canines like Kiah, a narcotics detection dog for the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, proudly reminds those who voice their concerns about bully breeds, however, of the reasons why Pit Bulls were given the title of “America’s Dog.”

Saved by Kirby Animal Care Services in San Antonio from a life of severe abuse, K9 Kiah was given a second chance in life thanks to a program made possible by a scholarship provided by Animal Farm Foundation, in partnership with Universal K9 (which has rescued over 150 shelter dogs) and Austin Pets Alive! Through her work, Kiah is showing the world that Pit Bull-type dogs can perform law enforcement jobs previously given only to purebred, purpose-bred dogs, and that shelter dogs can rise to the challenge of serving and protecting the public.

Photo courtesy CoynePR