ONTARIO
For the last 6 weeks Ontario's Attorney General, Michael Bryant, has been researching the issue of serious dog attacks in the Province, of which there have been many. His research has been skewed due to the fact that he either did not speak with those who were not in support of his own views (such as the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association), or he disregarded the information that these organizations/individuals provided to him. Some of the organizations who have been involved in the fight against BSL include the Dog Legislation Council of Canada, the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Veterinary Association, the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers, the Canadian Safety Council, the National Companion Animal Coalition, the Canadian Kennel Club, the Ontario Society for the Protection of Cruelty of Animals, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, the Animal Alliance of Canada, and many more. Of course, breed clubs such as the SBT Club of Canada, the Rotti Club, the GSD Club, the AmStaff club and the Golden Horseshoe APBT Club, have also been heavily involved from the onset.
Bryant has proposed that heavy restrictions be placed upon "pitbulls". The term "pitbull" has yet to be defined but Bryant intends to use the Winnipeg model, which includes the APBT, the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any mixes of these breeds. They are not interested in any other breeds at this point as they believe that these breeds are inherently dangerous and possess characteristics that make them far more dangerous than any other breed/breed type. Interestingly, the APBT is not legally recognized as a breed in Canada...according to federal law, it is a mixed breed. Existing dogs will be grandfathered. Restrictions will include mandatory muzzling and leashing in public places and mandatory spay/neuter. It may also include the requirement of 3rd party liability insurance, higher licensing fees, etc,. Municipalities will still maintain their legal right to add whatever restrictions they see fit.
There will be an increase in fines with the possibility of jail time for anyone, regardless of the breed they keep, whose dog has been deemed dangerous. An interesting note is that a dog could be deemed dangerous or menacing without actually biting someone!!! This one scares me as it is very subjective and could be heavily influenced by someone's "perception" of what is dangerous. The simple act of popping up to lick a child's face could be perceived as dangerous.
The ban would be phased in over a three month period once the legislation is passed. After this time, no "pitbull" can be bred, sold, imported or possessed in Ontario. Litters of puppies born after this time would be in peril.
At this point, there is NO ban in effect...what has been announced is Bryant's intent. The 103 Members of Parliament will be voting on this, within the month I believe, and this will determine whether or not the ban will come into effect sometime in the new year.
I think it's important for those residing in other countries to know that Ontario is a HUGE province!!! It is arguably the most influential province in Canada. What happens here will be mirrored in other provinces. We need everyone's support right now.
Kim Young, Ontario, Canada
Owner of Gus & Kelly, Staffords, and Skeet, baby Whippet
17 Octobver 2004
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Attorney General of Ontario Michael Bryant
Media Conference, October 15, 2004, Queen’s Park
The unedited press conference from Friday (total time 31 minutes):
Notes by Jean-anne Moors, member of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Canada and multiple Stafford owner
Online News Reports
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
To express your opposition to a Pit bull breed ban in Ontario, please contact:
The Honourable Michael J. Bryant
Attorney General
720 Bay St., 11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2K1
Telephone: 416. 326. 2220
Fax: 416. 326. 4016
Please be polite.
Sign the petition:-
see also:-
