Kano

Kano is an adoptable male Pit Bull Terrier looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is fully grown and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Kano, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/21/2026 10/21/26 15:05 Canine has shown consistent over-arousal and is difficult to manage safely while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/26/26 to allow for behavioral support and assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/27/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/19/2026 Handler approached kennel to attempt evaluation, dog was at front with neutral body, wagging tail at spine level, began jumping up at kennel door, handler tossed treats in and reached in leash, able to drape it over head as dog jumped up and grabbed at leash, handler secured loop but dog grabbed leash again, tugging at it, handler dropped leash and allowed dog to pull it into kennel, stepped away to call for assistant handler, dog chewing on leash in kennel, whining. No other handlers available at the time, handler returned to kennel, fed treats through the door while removing leash by hand, will reattempt with two handlers as precaution. 10/19/2026 Dog was at front of kennel, jumping up, barking, door covered in saliva. Handler tossed treats, reached in leash from up high, dog leapt up and grabbed leash, pulling, handler tossed treats and dog dropped leash, handler reset, assistant began tossing treats to keep dog distracted as handler placed leash, secured leash without attempts to mouth, exited kennel, very strong pull. Handler walked dog out into yard, dropped leash, dog began to explore and sniff, neutral, still tail at spine level, ears forward and alert, dog would run near handlers and they tossed treats to the ground to avoid jumping. Dog would keep exploring yard, jumped up on fence for basket of toys, assistant threw a large stuffed tug toy, dog chased after it, dropping it near handler for treats. Handler picked it up and dog leapt up, bouncing off fence as he grabbed toy in their hand, handler briefly played tug but quickly let go and allowed dog to self entertain, dog would thrash toy, whining, running around, came back to handler and sat for treat, resumed play with toy, high arousal, thrashing toy and hitting assistant handlers legs with it, zooming around them, could not distract with treats. Quickly escalating and began jumping up at assistant handler while holding the toy in mouth, pushing at their abdomen, jumped up about 3 times with toy in mouth before dropping it, resumed jumping up at assistant, biting at their shirt, make contact with their abdomen, only left scratch marks and did not break skin, grabbed one of the leashes looped over assistants shoulder, they quickly undid it as handler grabbed leash, dog quickly flipping around and jumping up to grab leash in their hand. Assistant began attempting to lasso a second leash onto dog, dog would bit at both leashes, getting second leash caught in jaw, whining and grunting, tugging on leash, handler began tossing handfuls of treats at dog, causing him to drop leash momentarily and allowed assistant to reattempts to place second leash, got it on successfully after a few tries, dog was pulling back, whining, panting, handlers walked dog out of yard on both leashes, dog pulling strongly. Handler walking ahead had no tension in leash but dog was pulling so hard on back leash that he was choking and gasping, entered kennel easily, handler tossed handful of treats, then hand fed treats through door while removing leash by hand. 10/18/2026 Dog was neutral at front of kennel, slight tail wag, furrowed brow, licked handler through door, sat at front, then jumped up and barked once when handler withdrew attention. Requesting full evaluation due to field observation 10/14/2026 Dog confined to empty dog park when I arrived. Dog came to me immediately when I entered, gave light whining, wagging tail, wiggly body. Jumped high and tapped my face with his muzzle twice, got very mouthy with hands and leash, tried to play with leash, had to be held by collar to keep from jumping up at my face more, turned and mouthed at my shirt and pants a few times when being held. Walked on leash, moderate pulling, criss-crossed in front of me but walked with me without hesitation. I muzzle wrapped and lifted into truck with light struggle. Allowed teeth check/chip scan. 10/14/2026 soft body, seeking attention allowed all vacs with moderate restraint, walked to kennel on leash Name: Kano Animal ID: A5173097 Breed: BLACK/WHITE BOSTON TERRIER/AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Male Age: 3Y 0M Weight: 44.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing C - 243 Intake Date: 10/14/2026 Deadline Date: 10/26/2026