YORK, SC -- A recent push across the state line to pass breed-specific regulations for pit bulls received support from what some people considered an unlikely source.

York, South Carolina officials ended up not voting on the issue, at least for now, but they still have a letter of support from an animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Teresa Chagrin, PETA Animal Care and Control specialist, said, the reason’s simple.

“We support breed specific regulations because we love pit bulls,” she said.

She said, “Pit bulls, in particular, are the most abused dog on this planet right now. They are chained out. They are left in little pens. They're used in fights.”

York city leaders considered implementing pit bull specific regulations after two dogs attacked a man.

Chagrin's letter cites a national statistic; one person is killed by a pit bull every two weeks.

Experts say that's because some people who seek out pit bulls do it for the wrong reason.

“They are just neglected more than any other dog that we see today,” Chagrin said.

Co-founder of Pawsitive Impact NC Dog Rescue, Teresa Tucker, said, “Any dog, any breed is going to go mad on a chain. But pit bulls, pit bulls do get the worst reputation because a lot of times they have the worst owners.”

So Chagrin says one way to reduce pit bull abuse and attacks is to have tougher laws.

“Basic regulations, which include spaying and neutering, microchipping them and keeping them indoors unless they're being walked on a leash,” she said.

Tucker said all breeds could actually benefit from spay and neuter laws since all dogs deserve responsible owners.

It’s not clear yet if York officials will discuss breed-specific laws again.

The black shepherd mix you saw toward the end of the video is available for adoption through Tucker’s rescue group. You can find more information here.