Viral message threatens pit bulls on Halloween

A social media post goes viral, encouraging people to "round up and kill as many pit bulls" as they can on Halloween night.

Animal lovers and advocates aren't happy with this holiday trick and its being felt right here in Colorado.

Most people assume the online message is a cruel hoax, but that hasn't stopped some local pet owners from taking extra precautions.

"Initially when you hear about it you are going to think that's scary," Chelsea Shaw, founder of Grand Junction Pit Bull Rescue, said.

The words are graphic. They say "After you take your kids trick-or-treating, keep your costume on, round up some friends, and kill as many pit bulls as you can before midnight." They go on to explain disturbing methods to murder these innocent animals.

"When you really like look into it and do some research on the subject, you're like oh this is just some stupid person trying to get a rise out of everyone," Shaw said.

The nasty post has been circulating for weeks. Shaw blames social media for how quickly its spread.  She says she's not worried but also not forgetting the cruel words.

"It’s just something to think about in case somebody does decide to step outside the box and do something horrible and ignorant,” Shaw said.  “I’ve warned some people this is just a rumor that's going on, nothing to think to much about but always be careful."

Mesa County Animal Services is urging caution this Halloween.

"We are encouraging that you keep your pet inside and preferably locked inside a bedroom, bathroom, or laundry area,” Beth Smith, with Animal Services, said. “It’s always disturbing for animals when strangers come in your yard."

"If you're smart you'll just keep your dogs how you always keep them, safe and restricted," Shaw Said.

Animal Services says if there are any incidences of violence to animals, report them to proper law enforcement authorities.