Discrimination isn’t unique to humans. Even animals can face problems, especially dogs of certain breeds. Nova, a 2-year-old pitbull mix, recently found herself at the center of a story involving federal raids, breed discrimination, and, ultimately, adoption into a loving home. Trained at Universal K9 (UK9) in San Antonio for narcotics detection, Nova’s prospects as a police K9 were cut short not by her capabilities, but by her breed and surprising legal issues.
Nova spent time in the Austin, Texas, shelter system, where her behavior initially led to challenges. Austin Pets Alive! (APA) volunteer David Loignon noted Nova’s difficult early days in the shelter, marked by reactivity and a need for more attention. However, he soon discovered that Nova’s high drive for playing with balls, signaled her potential for specialized training. Her acceptance into the UK9 program seemed to mark the beginning of a promising career.
She’s a playful dog but had a ‘kick me’ sign on her back,” Loignon said. “She became fairly reactive.”
However, this chance at a new life was halted when the FBI raided UK9 on suspicions of fraud, affecting not just the facility but the dogs in training there. Along with 25 other dogs, Nova was relocated to San Antonio Animal Services and eventually returned to APA through the identification provided by her microchip.
Nova. Photo courtesy of the APA
Not only did the incident expose issues with dog training, it also touched on the bigger problem with breed discrimination. Despite her training and demeanor, Nova faced hurdles because of her breed. The U.S. Air Force, for example, refused to consider her for their law enforcement team due to her being a pitbull.
Nova. Photo courtesy of the APA
“She looked good,” Loignon said. “She had healthy weight, she looked happy.” Loignon said he saw a law enforcement agency looking for dogs at the San Antonio shelter. However, he said, they passed on Nova because she’s a pitbull. “It makes me sad,” Loignon said.
She’s a big-hearted sweet dog and to dismiss her out of hand because of the shape of her head it’s just disappointing.”
Yet, Nova’s story does not end with the raid or the discrimination. After being returned to APA, she finally was able to find a new home with a family that saw past the stereotypes associated with her breed. This adoption represents not just a happy outcome for Nova but also helped put the spotlight on the stigma pitbulls face in being accepted, even when they have much to offer. The federal raid on UK9 and the subsequent challenges Nova faced underscore the legal issues animals can face when their “protectors” break the law, as well as breed discrimination, alongside the efforts of organizations like APA to support dogs in need.
Nova’s story, along with her initial struggles to find a loving family, showcases the importance of evaluating dogs as individuals rather than by breed alone. But now, Nova has a new chance at life, free from discrimination, with her new family. And in the end, that was all that mattered, giving this one dog a happy future. Please watch below for a look at a military veteran who is hoping to change minds about pitbulls.
Sources: IHeartDogs | My San Antonio
