-
The Tennessee Smokies have scrubbed their ball park and kick off a home stand Thursday with a peanut-free night.More >> The Tennessee Smokies have scrubbed their ball park and kick off a home stand Thursday with a peanut-free night.More >> Federal officials have set aside more than $1 million for Tennessee landowners who help conserve wildlife.More >> Federal officials have set aside more than $1 million for Tennessee landowners who help conserve wildlife.More >> With warmer weather here, a repaving project is resuming in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.More >> With warmer weather here, a repaving project is resuming in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.More >> In the wake of the deadly Oklahoma tornado, many are considering putting a storm shelter in their homes. Thirteen people survived in their block's only stormMore >> Thirteen people survived in their blocks only storm shelter in Moore, neighbors piling in for protection. In Tennessee, these cement shelters are becoming more common.More >> The Tennessee Department of Agriculture monitors scales for products including produce, meat and fuel but it doesn't apply to precious metals.More >> The Tennessee Department of Agriculture monitors scales for products including produce, meat and fuel but it doesn't apply to precious metals.More >> East Tennesseans are now making their way to the tornado-stricken area where an EF-5 tornado ripped through central Oklahoma.More >> East Tennesseans are now making their way to the tornado-stricken area where an EF-5 tornado ripped through central Oklahoma.More >> Federal prosecutors say a professional photographer from Perry County has been charged with possessing child pornography.More >> Federal prosecutors say a professional photographer from Perry County has been charged with possessing child pornography.More >> Automotive supplier Van-Rob will expand its plant in Coffee County, adding 104 jobs.More >> Automotive supplier Van-Rob will expand its plant in Coffee County, adding 104 jobs.More >> A WWE wrestler from Jefferson City is challenging the Lieutenant Governor to a debate. Glenn Jacobs, also known as "Kane" is against a proposed Internet sales tax.More >> A WWE wrestler from Jefferson City is challenging the Lieutenant Governor to a debate. Glenn Jacobs, also known as "Kane" is against a proposed Internet sales tax.More >> A 38-year-old Louisville man is hospitalized after jumping off a bridge Wednesday.More >> A 38-year-old Louisville man is hospitalized after jumping off a bridge Wednesday.More >>
CHATTANOOGA (AP) - A Chattanooga animal shelter says it wants to reduce the number of unwanted pit bulls in the area so it is offering owners free surgeries to spay or neuter their dogs.
Karen Walsh, the executive director of the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center, tells WDEF-TV that 42 percent of all the animals seen at the shelter each year are pit bull breeds.
Walsh said shelter officials aren't trying to ban the breed, but rather offer the service to reduce the number that end up the shelter. Walsh said the breed can often be mischaracterized as aggressive, but owners do need to raise their dogs properly.
Walsh said the shelter will perform the surgeries on 1,000 dogs for free and has already completed about 800.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
