"It seems like there should be a way to make the owners take care of the dogs while awaiting the trial. Couldn't they put the owners on house arrest and make them take care of their dogs, so that other dogs wouldn't have to be put to sleep? "

Actually, the people involved are in jail. They not only had animal cruelty charges but drugs were also involved. The conditions at the home are not anything the Humane Society can even think about returning the animals too, even for a short period.

This is a no win situation and although I love the pit bull breed, I can understand why places like Miami have out lawed them entirely. There are just too many cruel and ignorant people who exploit them.