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Pit Sisters dog rescue closing, citing death threats and loss of funding

Pit Sisters Executive Director Jen Deane announced the dog rescue is closing down after eight years of rescuing over 1,500 dogs.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Pit Sisters, a dog rescue based in Jacksonville Beach, is closing down with the executive director citing death threats and loss of funding as the reason behind the decision.

Pit Sisters Executive Director Jen Deane made the announcement via Facebook on Monday.

"In the past two weeks, a small group of detractors has caused a world of drama," Deane said. "I have had death threats sent to me and my family and horrible things wished upon us."

Deane went on to say that "lies" were spread to the organization's corporate donors and foster families, causing them to "no longer have the funding we need to continue on."

The Facebook post mentioned that despite the organization rescuing over 1,500 at-risk dogs over the course of eight years, the recent controversy has proven too much, causing the director to shift her focus toward her family.

"Yes, it is my passion to help dogs but not at the price I am paying," she said. "So it is through many, many tears and a broken heart that I inform all of you that Pit Sisters will be closing down."

Deane said she is continuing to work on placements for the remaining dogs at the rescue. Anyone who knows of reputable rescues who can care for the dogs can email sisters@pitsisters.org.

The closing of the rescue follows weeks of controversy as Deane tried to establish a sanctuary on property she owned in Nassau County.

Her plan to house and rehabilitate pit bulls and cruelty case survivors there was stopped after neighbors expressed safety concerns about pit bulls and the county's interpretation of the applicable zoning laws. 

RELATED: Sexually abused pit bull sent to nationally renowned training facility

RELATED: Big hearts, tiny homes: Volunteers help build tricked out shelters for rescue dogs

 

  

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