Remove ban on pit bulls: dog lover

Jan 29, 2009- 4:59 PM

By:

Posted by Sudbury Northern Life

Dog trainer and dog lover Tammy St. Louis, owner of Skiplyn Kennels, wants to encourage dog owners to contribute $1 for every dog they own or have ever owned to help remove a government legislation to ban pit bulls in Ontario.

Ontario residents are not allowed to own new pitbulls because of the law, which came into effect August 29, 2005.

The money being raised is for legal fees to change Bill 132 through an organization called Banned Aid and their Dollars for Dogs campaign. For more information go to www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org .

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59 Comments

Anonymous User 3/17/2009 12:21:28 AM - Report Abuse

DLCC is an excellent organization and I have donated several times. Pit Bulls are a great breed, and I have met so many; in their homes, in the shelters I have worked in, and even abandoned and abused dogs I have taken in. In my life I have met only one that was deemed "dangerous". However, that stated, I have witnessed food agressive young adult dogs who will bite anyone that goes near their food, hyper agressive cocker spaniels that will and have bitten, several poodle breeds from toy to standard, and countless other mixed breeds that have tendencies to get cross under certain circumstances...we cannot single out any particular breeds. We have to remember the nature of these animals, that we bring them into our home and our society and it is our responsability to raise and train them properly. I can''t help but wonder how many Pit Bull haters have their own dogs, and probably adore the teachings of Ceasar Milan. Remember guys, he has a wonderful Pit Bull, Daddy. Take a look around, get off the media hype, read some books, and get out there and meet some of these dogs. They are Angels....if you give them a chance.
wandaandfriends 2/1/2009 3:36:44 AM - Report Abuse

This is really a sad area of life to comment on but as we can see there are lots of people who need to express their concerns. Here is mine. I was in court last week...my half day off work...my partners half day off work...to go before a judge to be witness to a pitbull attack. This dog was released on purpose to attack our dog. The owner is responsible..but we never asked him to pay for treatments for our dog. He''s known to police and we don''t and didn''t want anything to do with this owner.We suffered as well as our 4 legged friend. We had to help him get up and lay down for 3 weeks. Our pooch couldn''t make it up the stairs so we had to use the back enterance and fight the snow storms and high snow. We had to soak him in epsom salt baths..and massage his swollen and bruised and wounded shoulder.We all suffered for 6 weeks. This owner...did not even show up in court..so his $100. fine and the designation of the dog being needing a muzzle on when out in public still stands thankfully. When owners like this are in our neighborhoods...we need to stand together and take some responsibility to keep a good friendly area. We have children and seniors who should not have to witness these senseless owner acts. It is a violation of public security. I could tell much more...but we still have issues at hand as this owner is still harassing us. I imagine we will be back in court. As you can guess...he didn''t show up to defend himself so we lost a day''s pay...and he''s still laughing. That''s a true story of a pitbull attack...and we''re still suffering. Thankyou for reading and commenting and caring. It''s not the dogs...it really is the owners that should be screened.
my2pennies_1 1/31/2009 5:06:12 PM - Report Abuse

Geez, Zachary , i guess if people don''t agree with your way of thinking , then we should all shut up. I was just giving a suggestion, my opinion to a matter which obviously is hitting a nerve with a lot of people. i would rather see something to the effects of what i am suggesting then a total ban of ownership. Not all owners of pitts are criminal in nature either so get a grip there.
Anonymous User 1/31/2009 4:48:41 PM - Report Abuse

[quote]bring forward the traits that would be beneficial to their goal.[/quote] These goals? SAR http://www.forpitssake.org/sar.html Champion Athletes Purina 2007 National Champion http://www.youtube.com/watch?vequalssQYC5Zte1Rg Therapy Dogs http://ourpack.org/leo.html Narcotics and Explosives Detection Dogs http://www.lawdogsusa.org/lawdogs.html K9 Cadaver Dogs http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com/2009/01/chicago-good-guy.html BTW Canada Thanks for shipping this "dangerous" fella to us. He recovered from his "dangerousness" and is now one of the top detection dogs. http://www.lawdogsusa.org/k9neville.html Wondrinwhy Do some real research and see if you can come up with one single FACT that justifies killing hundreds of thousands of innocent dogs around the World. Media stories about alleged ''pit bulls'' don`t cut it as FACTS. I WILL be donating to help Canadians overturn this Ban. I`ll throw in a little extra for wondrinwhy. Hopefully he`ll clue in sooner rather than later.
Anonymous User 1/31/2009 3:45:40 PM - Report Abuse

[quote]have EXPERTS brought in for comment?[/quote] And wondrinwhy,I`m not talking about Experts commenting,I`m talking about which Expert(s) identified these dogs as one of the "Pit Bull" Breeds in legal proceedings? The people who comment after ''pit bull'' stories are always "experts". I`ve read on a number of websites/blogs that Ontario has put to death over 4000 puppies and dogs in their attempt to exterminate 3 recognized Pure Breed dogs. Regardless of what those dogs were,does it justify the deaths of all those innocent dogs?
Anonymous User 1/31/2009 2:47:04 PM - Report Abuse

Wondrinwhy, ''pit bulls'' are NOT a Breed of dog. Try and just grasp that ONE fact. Which canine Expert identified these 3 ''pit bulls'' as Staffordshire Bull Terriers American Staffordshire Terriers or APBT`s? and IF one or all of these dogs were identified by an Expert as one of those Breeds,that`s a LONG way from what you stated. "way too many attacks" Check with your local hospital to see how many other children were bitten by dogs on that same day. [quote] You ask for proof but won''t accept the generally accepted proof. .[/quote] ????? What does that mean? Proof of what? [quote]Since the ban, reported attacks have dropped by approx. a third[/quote] ???? Do you mean Media stories have dropped or dog bites have dropped in your Province? If it`s the 2nd,cite your source for that claim. Have you read ANYTHING that has been posted here? Have you read what the Experts said at the hearings into this Ontario Legislation? Have you read what the OVMA(which is your own Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) has said? The ignorance is unbelievable.
roseanne_cardinal 1/31/2009 12:32:23 PM - Report Abuse

If you''re not outraged by this ban... you''re not paying attention!
roseanne_cardinal 1/31/2009 12:30:22 PM - Report Abuse

dogeatdog said: "i am a dog lover,i have two myself but i don''t agree that the ban should be lifted. the trouble is that it''s the type of people thave have pitbulls.they seem to think they make them look tough.there are way too many attacks on people by pitbulls to lift the ban." I am so sorry that you are ignorant on this matter. You really need to read Bill-132 and as a dog lover, you may understand that this law affects us all. If you have a dog with short hair, it can be mistakenly identified as a "Pit Bull" and unless you have papers to prove it isn''t (or old enough to be excluded) - you''re in trouble. This has happened time and time again with Labradors, Boston Terriers, Ridgebacks, American Bulldogs, and various other breeds and mixes. As a dog lover you think this is fair? You think it is fair that the innocent are being punished because of those who were irresponsible? You support the fact that the government can step into your home, seize your dog based on appearance and either euthanize him or give him up to a research facility for a life of testing? If you support that, you cannot call yourself a dog lover. If my dog so much as barks at someone who gets offended, it can result in having her seized and destroyed. You honestly think that is fair? MYTH: The Pit Bull ban should not be lifted because it successfully deters criminals, â€œtough guys,â€ gang-related activity surrounding the breed, and dog fighting. â€“ FALSE An illegal breed only helps elevate the status of owning such a dog in the eyes of these kinds of people. Do any of you really think that because Pit Bulls are illegal in Ontario dog fighting will stop, drug dealers will stop training them as guard dogs for their pot houses, and â€œtough guysâ€ will stop owning them? The key to dog bite prevention is (1) education and (2) tougher laws that crack down on irresponsible dog owners.
wondrinwhy 1/31/2009 12:13:24 PM - Report Abuse

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2005/03/02/pit-bull-050302.html there''s one i remembered offhand. Now, you show me ANY article on animal attacks that have EXPERTS brought in for comment? Actually, find me an article about an animal, not necessarily an attack that an expert was consulted. You ask for proof but won''t accept the generally accepted proof. Since the ban, reported attacks have dropped by approx. a third. I am an animal lover and don''t like it when I feel that i am slamming a breed, but this breed has strength and has been bred to protect the owner and to fight for centuries. Look it up, from the beginning they were bred in ways to water down the undesirable traits and bring forward the traits that would be beneficial to their goal.
Gerry_2 1/31/2009 12:03:14 PM - Report Abuse

Judge Judy does not like pit bulls and that''s no bull, so there you go!
Anonymous User 1/31/2009 11:49:00 AM - Report Abuse

[quote]You have to bring in your dog to be evaluated every so often to see if they are a threat. Just a suggestion![/quote] There is no valid reason to target ANY Breed/type for specific rules/regulations. If the Public thinks that`s a good idea then it needs to be applied to owners of ALL dogs and I don`t think the Public would go for it. That would take up a lot of time and Resources which could be used to go after Owners who don`t leash their dogs or criminals who use dogs to intimidate. The only people who would show up would be good law abiding responsible people and this is EXACTLY why BSL does not work and will NEVER work. Irresponsible people and criminals who have dogs for the wrong reason are NOT going to show up to have their dogs evaluated. Why is that so difficult for people to understand? Leave responsible dog owners alone and target the irresponsible people REGARDLESS of what they own.
Anonymous User 1/31/2009 10:30:20 AM - Report Abuse

[quote]there are way too many attacks on people by pitbulls to lift the ban.[/quote] Dogeatdog, You`re doing exactly what the Media does all over the world. Making an unsubstantiated statement as if it is factual. Can you cite one single VERIFIABLE attack by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier or an APBT in your Province? If you say there are way too many,you should be able to produce one. Don`t cite Media stories which claim the dog is a ''pit bull'' Give facts(Date,City,Expert who identified the dog) that can be verified.
Anonymous User 1/31/2009 10:22:06 AM - Report Abuse

To comment to wonderingwhy on their comment of "If the law is repealed, lets think of all the "tough guys", not families, but you all know the type, they must have a pitbull to extend the "tough" image they portray." You really need to take a second to think that this law is not affecting these people you are talking about. They have since moved on to other breeds. Menacing LOOKING breeds such as Dogo''s, Tosa''s, Olde English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs ect ect. Or, they are still breeding their "pitbulls" to satisfy them and their friends. Don''t think for a minute its these people who are abiding by this ridiculous law at all. Many of the "tough guy" portrayers are law breakers as it is, so why would dog ownership all of a sudden make them change their ways to abide by laws? ( as an example drug dealers) I most likely will never own a "pitbull" not because of any fears of them or dislike. I love the breed, but its not a match for my personality. I respect them, I admire them and I applaud all responsible owners of them such as Tammy St.Louis who really show the general public the "TRUE Bully" It''s sad to think that no matter how well behaved her dogs are or other owners like her, the general public can not see past the broad head and short coat of the dog the media has hyped everyone up about. Someone made a comment that people should go sit in on Tammy''s classes and see her dogs at "work" I agree 100percent. We took classes with Tammy and my boyfriend buys into the "pitbull" hype 100percent At the first class Tammy informed us all that there were to be Bully''s in the class and if anyone had a problem with this, she would refund their money no questions asked and they could leave. I know he wanted to leave. He just wouldnt say it. After the 8 weeks, he admitted that he was wrong about the "breed" and then started asking more questions about what they were really like. He now has a respect for them. People can change, opinions can be changed but only with education and seeing it first hand. I am also an utility worker, so I am in and out of every yard in the zone, dealing with dogs day in and day out. I must say there has not yet in the sudbury area been a yard with a "pitbull" that we could not enter. I kept a small score card in my work truck on what breed or "type" of dogs I had most problems with, I will not name them as it is pointless and irrelevant not to mention not a controlled "experiment" so adding hype about peoples already beloved family pets is not necessary. But I will generalize the group they belonged in. Toy and Herding. Any dog bite in our company also has been by non "pitbull" dogs. Not even Rotties, Dobies or Shepherds ( minus the little issue I personally have with Sheps, not to blame a breed, I blame myself, I seem to provoke them to take a taste of me because I am NOT sharing good energy or body language around them... something I am working on) So I am supporting this cause and stand with those who are fighting it, the breeds I own are under the radar FOR NOW, this does not make it acceptable for me to let others fight their fight and naively think that if they don''t do it, I will be safe because of the dogs who share my household with me are not deemed dangerous. One day they will if no one stands up for the Bullies. I read a quote somewhere once and think it should be said here ( although not as it was written since I do not have it saved anywhere) It was along the lines of: When they came for the Pitbulls I said nothing, as I did not own one When they came for the Rotties, I said nothing, as I did not own one When they came for the Shepherds, I said nothing, as I did not own one When they came for the Collies, I said nothing, as i did not own one. When they came for my dog, no one said anything, as no one was left to speak.
Anonymous User 1/31/2009 10:07:48 AM - Report Abuse

Wow.....education on the topic is certainly a key factor. There have been some really good positive comments on this thread. I have also been a trainer for quite a few years and have seen numerous breeds come through classes. I cannot say that one breed stands out any more in temperament than others. I have seen some of the smallest and cutest little bundles turn into a Cujo in class. A lot of this is due to hanlder error and knowledge.I will not speak of any specific breed in fear of that breed being eliminated as well. A small sweet bundle of joy put some serious stitches on a boys face. It was his Grandpa''s dog, a loving pet that never hurt anyone. Hmmmm about all five pounds of it....no pit bull there. In response to one of the threads, I was also about two feet from the black lab in bell park when the child got injured. Unfortunately the media did not portray what I said correctly. They took bits and pieces. I truely felt terrible for both parties involved and I''m still not convinced that it was the dog that injured the child but the ladies ring or nail as her hand was around the dogs muzzle(yes dog in sit position on lead attached to owners other hand). Again, all in the way the media portrays it.......I do not agree with the ban, it should definately be put on the shoulders of the owner/handler.
my2pennies_1 1/31/2009 9:46:18 AM - Report Abuse

Any dog with bite if provoked. I have two larger dogs, a white shepherd and a golden retriever and if given the right circumstances, i am sure they would bite, its a normal reaction. I think they should look at maybe lifting the ban and having some kind of check in with the dogs , almost like being on parole. You have to bring in your dog to be evaluated every so often to see if they are a threat. Just a suggestion!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 8:07:11 PM - Report Abuse

Any dog, no matter how big or small will try to assume the leader of the pack position if no one has it. Too many people treat their dogs like people and then suffer for it when the dog becomes the dominant member. Early education is crutial in all cases...especially the small breeds who are notorious little trouble makers and the larger ones get into trouble because they are trying to teach the small ones some manners. Oh...and the woman who had her face bitten off in France a couple of years ago? It was a black lab.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 6:55:16 PM - Report Abuse

guns kill people and we can''t ban guns. Is it because people use guns to kill people well guess what having any dog that isn''t under the owner''s control is like holding a loaded gun. It''s not the dog''s fault that people use them as weapons. If you don''t raise your dog properly you may have dangerous dog on your hands it has nothing to do with the breed it has everything to do with the way you raise them. It''s like having children, you don''t raise them properly they are a menace to society but you can''t ban a certain group of children. Smarten up, everyone who owns a pet should be responsible for that pet. Don''t ban the breed ban irresponsible owners.
dogeatdog_1 1/30/2009 5:11:43 PM - Report Abuse

i am a dog lover,i have two myself but i don''t agree that the ban should be lifted. the trouble is that it''s the type of people thave have pitbulls.they seem to think they make them look tough.there are way too many attacks on people by pitbulls to lift the ban.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 4:46:22 PM - Report Abuse

It''s not the dog ,it''s the owner. That is pure discrimination going on for that breed of dog.
Ghost_1 1/30/2009 4:44:11 PM - Report Abuse

I''ve owned a american staffordshire terrier/lab mix for 8 yrs, which puts her in the dreaded "pitbull" class. Not once in these 8 yrs has this dog ever bitten anyone, except for a person that walked into the yard and hit her with a stick for no reason ( my dog was tied up in her own yard )....so I''d say they got what they deserved, also its not anything any other breed would have done....its called self defense. The children in my neighborhood get a kick out of my dog because she is always happy to see them...even to the point where she rolls onto her back and is completely open to them....yes such a fierce dog. I have only ever been bitten by 3 dogs in my life, a cocker spaniel, a doberman and a German Sheppard.....do I hold the dogs to blame...no....do I hold the owners of them to blame...yes....all 3 dogs were allowed to run at large with no control over them.....so give me a break on the whole vicious pit bull argument.....punish the deed not the breed.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 1:30:08 PM - Report Abuse

Wondrinwhy said: Banning a whole breed is sad, but don''t take the government to task on it, take the irresponsible owners to task, THEY are the reason kids have lost their lives. Everyone is eager to jump on the "i would rather have a pitbull in my neighborhood" bandwagon, lets be a little more honest, these dogs are far too frequently treated badly and are dangerous. There have been cases of this breed being treated kindly and properly trained and the dog still attacking/killing. There have been cases of many dogs biting "out of the blue" which usually means the owner was ignorant or absent. And in Canada no "pit bull" has ever killed a child. Many other breeds and mixes have. But it isn''t about breed. Breeds means shape and colour. There is only 1 species and that is dog (canis familiaris) . They are all virtually identical to one another genetically. So yes, dogs can be dangerous. But so can many other things that humans don''t come into contact with nearly as often (for example, you are far more likely to be struck by lightning than to be attacked by a dog). So in comparison dogs are extremely safe. This law isn''t really about protecting us from dog bites. This law was enacted in spite of many protests from the scientific, training, shelter and veterinary communities that it was expensive and useless IN ORDER TO MAKE THE GOVERNMENT LOOK LIKE IT WAS DOING SOMETHING USEFUL. Crime was getting out of control at that time and the Ontario liberals had no idea how to fix it. Their answer was to deflect our attention to an "epidemic" that didn''t exist. Are we safer? Child killed in Montreal by a mixed dog (not a pit bul), child killed in the US recently by a purebred ___ puppy, child in Nova Scotia killed by a group of purebred ___s and I could go on and on. I refuse to mention breed because it is not relevant. In both cases there was a lack of supervision by adults. How does a ban on "pit bulls" help? PS. Zachary -- thanks for posting.You are bang on. Good to have it confirmed that people from other countries are laughing at Onscarians.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 12:09:26 PM - Report Abuse

A friend of mine had a little yappy 5 pound dog that was as mean as my mother-in-law. She''d bite you as soon as look at you (the dog that is). Add in the fact her teeth were so frigging bad from eating table scraps, cookies, and junk infection from the bite was almost a given.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 11:45:59 AM - Report Abuse

"Your sweet lab that you would have your children around is more likely to bite than a sound pit bull." Okay..that doesn''t make any sense.. if you''re referring to the fact that there are 5 times the amount of Labs out there than pit bulls so technically there are more Lab-related bites, than that''s one thing.. and makes sense given the huge number difference.. but making sweeping, unsubstanciated statements about another breed to bolster your cause isn''t helping either breed. Take pitbull out of the equasion.. owners are problematic, not breeds.. any breed. Education, training and guidelines could be instated as a solution to the fear-mongering perpetuated by every story published about a pitbull attack but not published about an attack from a different breed. And for the love of pete.. SHEPHERD.. why do so many people have problems spelling this word?
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 11:27:28 AM - Report Abuse

[quote]Perhaps this lady could explain what good would come from repealing that law?[/quote] Allow me. If you would take the time to read the Bill,Read what the Experts said and then read the Appeal Ruling you would understand the dangerousness of your Gov`t. There was NO evidence allowed. This was not a fact based case. It was a Challenge of your Charter of Rights. On Appeal your Superior Appeal Court ruled that your Gov`t is NOT required to have conclusive evidence to pass Legislation and the Court ALSO ruled that it is not the job of the Courts to resolve conflicting evidence. If that doesn`t scare the bejebus out of you, NOTHING will. You now have a law on the books that allows your Gov`t to ban ANYTHING without a shred of credible evidence. So if your Media decides to start reporting on the "dangerousness" of cats,rabbits,red cars,blue bikes,cows....and the mob starts clamoring for something to be done about these "dangerous" items,your Gov`t can now ban them without batting an eye. I suggest that before you post on this Bill that your Gov`t has passed,you actually read it and all the subsequent Court Rulings to date. You should be very very frightened by Bill 132. If your Gov`t could sell you that by using ''pit bull'',they can sell you anything!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 10:57:29 AM - Report Abuse

I live next door to a family that owns a Boxer. He is the friendliest dog, but I am terrified of him. All this talk about the large jaws on Pit Bulls, Boxers etc. has me freaked out. I think if a Pit Bull moved into my neighbourhood I would have to fence my children in the yard, I am that scared, and I shouldn''t be. I blame the media and all the negative press that Pit Bulls get. I read an article about the breed of dog that is the number one biter, and I was shocked because it was a Golden Retriever. Am I scared of Goldens, no because the media hasn''t hyped me up to be.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 10:49:05 AM - Report Abuse

[quote]I have children and I don''t want these dog''s in my neighborhood so not having them in my province is even better. I support bill 132!!![/quote] Just curious...do any of your children look substantially similar to anyone who has ever broken a law? Do you think they should be put down and you should be spayed? The ignorance of the people who support this Bill is staggering. I don`t even live in your Country and it was very simple to find real facts. Most of you Ban supporters more than likely couldn`t identify a ''Pit Bull'' unless it walked up and introduced itself. Pick out the APBT Ms "I don`t want these dogs in my neighborhood" http://www.understand-a-bull.com/Findthebull/findpitbull_v4.swf This took all of 5 secs to find. Fatal Dog Attacks(Canada) http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artidequals2387261 Do you want Husky type dogs in your neighborhood? They are responsible for most of the fatalities. 1 Fatality is by an AmStaff(''Pit Bull'') Took me another 5 secs to find this Testimony by the OVMA at the hearings into Bill 132 http://www.ontla.on.ca/committee-proceedings/transcripts/files_html/2005-01-24_M009.htm#P672_181318 Here`s a snippet Read the rest at the link [quote]An argument is sometimes made that, while all dogs bite, only a few breeds cause serious injury when they attack. Again, this hypothesis does not withstand scrutiny. A study by the Canadian hospitals injury reporting and prevention program examined the dog breeds involved in attacks that were serious enough that the victim sought medical attention at one of eight reporting hospitals. The study revealed that 50 different types of purebreds and 33 types of crossbreeds had been involved in the attacks, ***** the most common breeds being German shepherds, cocker spaniels, Rottweilers and golden retrievers. What about the most serious of attacks, those resulting in the death of a person attacked? Since 1983, there have been 23 reported human fatalities in Canada due to dog attacks. A total of 55 dogs were involved in these attacks, and only one of these dogs, an American Staffordshire terrier, would be banned under the proposed legislation.[/quote] Do you want German Shepherds,Rottweilers,Cocker Spaniels and GOLDEN RETRIEVERS in your neighborhood? Your Gov`t LIED to you big time. Try doing some reading Ms "I have children" and perhaps try reading Bill 132(which I have and you obviously have not) This Bill is not about ''Pit Bulls'' I encourage people from ALL Countries to help Canadians overturn this Bill by donating $1 Laws should be fact based not based on unsubstantiated nonsense. I also encourage ALL Non Canadians to KEEP YOUR TOURIST DOLLARS OUT OF ONTARIO, CANADA UNTIL THIS BILL IS REPEALED. If they don`t want our square headed dogs in Ontario,they don`t want our money.
Andrew_1 1/30/2009 10:41:16 AM - Report Abuse

Any dog can be a threat. Any human can be a threat, especially if in position of authority / POLITICIAN. Michael Bryant introduced this Bill strictly for POLITICAL reasons and he did gross disservice to Ontarians. His consciousness will hunt him down for the rest of his days for slauther / genocide of innocent! This is extensive, violent, bloody, wanton destruction of life; carnage. Bill 132 BECOME oppression tool against Ontarians AND EXTERMINATION TOOL AGAINST PITTS! History reviles cases of similar Bills/Policies being introduced against ethnic minorities. It is very dangerous precedence and shows how easy it is to impose any irresponsible LAWS. EVERY THING IS ABOUT PSYCHOLOGY / PERCEPTIONS !!!! Perceptions can be imposed on society and can lead to extermination of innocent. It is a constitutional violation and immoral!!!!!! Great EDUCATIONAL video by trainer and dog lover Tammy St. Louis, owner of Skiplyn Kennels!!!!!!!!!! SOCIETY MUST BE CONSTANTLY EDUCATED ABOUT HUMANITY!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 10:33:46 AM - Report Abuse

QUOTE lepew- "A casual acquaintance has a pit bull mix and I don''t trust it at all." You''re right. Don''t share any secrets with it and for gawd sakes don''t lend it any money.
wondrinwhy 1/30/2009 9:42:33 AM - Report Abuse

If the law is repealed, lets think of all the "tough guys", not families, but you all know the type, they must have a pitbull to extend the "tough" image they portray. I don''t want to get ragged out by everyone who rides a motorcycle because I am not speaking of them, but l have seen bikers for years that consider having, not 1 but 3 or 4 pitbulls to be the acceptable thing and they beat them regularly. Don''t pretend you all don''t know about these folks, they say things like "you have to hit them to make them understand" "they only know you mean business if you''re violent". Banning a whole breed is sad, but don''t take the government to task on it, take the irresponsible owners to task, THEY are the reason kids have lost their lives. Everyone is eager to jump on the "i would rather have a pitbull in my neighborhood" bandwagon, lets be a little more honest, these dogs are far too frequently treated badly and are dangerous. There have been cases of this breed being treated kindly and properly trained and the dog still attacking/killing. Find a way to deal with getting these dogs out of the hands of people who use them as a weapon, then I bet the breed would be welcomed back.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 9:39:13 AM - Report Abuse

Great Job Tammy! There are so many people on here saying they would never trust a pit bull, But have you ever met one? I was one of thoughs people that bought into the media, Believed they coulden''t be trusted, That they would just turn on people. Then I started working at a shelter, after working there for many years I realized i was head over heels inlove with the breed. These are some of the friendliest , most trustworthy dogs you can meet.. And I for the past few years have woken up next too one everyday, He is that "once in a life time dog" and he is a true ambassador to the breed.And for the people that hate them, Maybe you should go and meet some dogs of this breed, Talk to the owners and Realize the devotion many of us responsible dog owners have for this breed. Because when they come for your breed We won''t be behind you , we wont be saying "we told you so " we will be beside you fighting for your breed even though you didnt help us fight for ours.
BULLIES IN NEED 1/30/2009 9:07:05 AM - Report Abuse

WOW I am amazed at how many ignorant comments are being made towards this topic. I have been an owner and rescuer of this beloved breed for over a decade and while I would never own a poodle or cocker spaniel(who btw takes the number one spot for dog bites and that is a FACT) I do not wish to see them banned.... To blame an entire breed (and then some) for the acts of a individual dogs is just plain ignorant and lazy. Every breed of dog has the ability to achieve greatness just like they have the ability to be a misfit in society, its up to the public to look up and see exactly who is holding the leash and hold them accountable....... not the dogs who have no voice. Veronica Bullies In Need Rescue www.bulliesinneed.ca voices for the most abused and exploited breed of dog in North America- The American Pit bull Terrier.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 8:53:01 AM - Report Abuse

While I agree with most of the comments by ''Man AboutTown", I question the exclusion of the Chihuaha ("Of course doing such training with a Chihuahua is pointless") since over 50percent of dog bites in Arizona for example are by this breed. . . ah, I know, they must have been reported by the local animal control as miniature pit bulls!!!
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 8:52:07 AM - Report Abuse

As has been mentioned by some, the breed has no bearing on what constitutes a "dangerous dog". ANY dog, of any breed or mixed breed, can be trained to ''bite''. Any dog, of any breed or mixed breed, can be trained to be a wonderful companion animal, friendly to human or dog. It''s all about responsible pet ownership. This includes a good pet owner who incorporates socializing and training so that their dog(s) will be well-mannered member(s) in their community. How hard is that? If you aren''t prepared to put this time, work, care and love into any dog, don''t ever get one. You would not be a responsble pet owner! You don''t even need to mention various breeds or mixes in this conversation. I have a "black dog" of a normally considered wonderful family pet breed, who is a Pet Therapy dog and have seen people ''back away'' because of the COLOUR alone. What we especially need to be concerned about, is not only the present breeds that are being unfairly singled out, but all of our well-trained pet dogs that the uneducated or misinformed might point out one day as "one of those". This affects every single one of us who owns a dog, regardless of breed or mix. Support your dog(s) by supporting the cause...with your dollars... Do not bury your head in the sand "because it doesn''t apply to you!" Some day it just might. Thanks.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 8:44:55 AM - Report Abuse

I am so glad to see that the ignorance level seems to be dropping... A law passed by fear and false propaganda is the scariest thing out there!!!! it is the owner that is too blame not the dog..period. anyone who says different is ignorant to the fact and that is sad but it is true. i know it suck when you fall into this catigory, but pull you head out of your butts and educate yourselves on the issue before you show your ignorance. the reason pittbull "attacks" have dropped off the map are because the media have finally stop reporting fear mongoring blips about the dogs...and that is it! but this is what happens when you can''t think for yourself and have the government step in to shut you up.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 8:38:40 AM - Report Abuse

It''s not the dog, it''s the owner? Hmmm.......... maybe, but if your argument is that ANY dog can be a viscious dog, I''d rather be attacked by a poodle, than a pit bull, who''s jaw is as strong as a vice. There are many stories where attacking pit bulls had to be shot before they would let go of their victim. It is the raw power of pit bulls that make them desireable to malcontents who think it''s "cool" to have a masterful beast.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 7:46:30 AM - Report Abuse

To date $650,000 has been raised through a ground roots movement to fight this poorly conceived Draconian law. In order to proceed to the Supreme Court, an appeal was made on January 15th for an additional $67,000 which was required by the end of the month. In a matter of only two weeks this goal was surpassed through the donations from across Ontario, and the entire country. In fact, with three days to file, $74,000 was raised. Over 160 individual kennel clubs around the country have donated to date, including the Sudbury and District Kennel Club. (Check out www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org for a complete listing, or www.ckc.ca for further information.) This law was implemented over the objections of every single professional dog organization, including the SPCA, the Veterinarian Association and the Canadian Kennel Club. In the public input portion of the review, the government ignored all adverse advice and comments. They still refuse to accept the law is unpopular and unjust, and continue to waste public funds to avoid admitting error. Like some of your readers, I would never own a â€˜pit bullâ€™. By the same token, I would never own a Shih Tzu or a Yorkie either. What people should realise is the fact this law has the potential to effect all of us. The German ban started with only a few breeds and swiftly grew to over fifty. One European country banned any breed over fifty pounds in weight! This law includes a clause that a dog can be considered â€˜dangerousâ€™ if it attacks or kills a person or domestic animal. Guess what? When your little Pomeranian attacks and bites a neighbourhood cat, you could be liable for a fine of up to $10,000 and have your little dog taken and destroyed! This is not as far fetched as you might think. When the law was first introduced, and while working for Animal Control, out of the first four â€˜pit bullâ€™ complaints, three involved pure bred boxers. Many (if not all, in my opinion) of the recent reports of attacks by pit bull are a simple case of miss-identification based on the â€˜or similar appearanceâ€™ clause. Unfortunately in some cases, the miss-identification appears intentional. The success to date of our esteemed government is based solely on the ignorance of the public to the truth, and their reluctance to search it out â€“ but unfortunately, isnâ€™t that the case in most areas?
commonsense_2 1/30/2009 7:13:39 AM - Report Abuse

I gladly have supported the reversal of this bill. This bill has killed thousands of innocent dogs, the people passing judgement are not qualified to say what is a pitbull. I believe the owners should be punished and not the dogs. We live in a time where no one takes responsibility for their own negligence but passes the buck....Italy has over 100 breeds banned now with a similar law....boy that is responsible ownership alright. Politics and insanity at its best.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 6:26:34 AM - Report Abuse

Great video,so nice to see different breeds getting along.It proves that well behaved dogs are found in all breeds just as you find DANGEROUS DOGS IN ALL SIZES AND BREEDS. Banning breeds is wrong,bad owners and no training are the problem. Punish the deed not the breed.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 3:56:58 AM - Report Abuse

A casual acquaintance has a pit bull mix and I don''t trust it at all.
thinker 1/30/2009 1:19:17 AM - Report Abuse

Kudos for printing this story, but I do notice that the comments are one sided to say the least. Also I notice that your comments disclaimer says that you won''t publish false or unsubstantiated statements, yet some of those published claim that "pitbulls" are dangerous or not to be trusted and that can not be substantiated and is false.Ontario''s law was based on opinion,while many opposite expert opinions were ignored, it was not based on any actual facts. It isn''t even a breed. The three purebreds defined under the law are incredibly rare breeds. The substantially similar portion means that any dog can be called a pitbull. The law kills puppies. It''s just wrong. So yes, I would send a dollar. Or more.
Anonymous User 1/30/2009 12:17:56 AM - Report Abuse

I am surprised by people''s ignorance about pit bulls. Education is the key to this issue. Pit bulls are not inherently dangerous dogs, despite what you read in articles. In fact, you would not recognize one from a line-up if asked. Your sweet lab that you would have your children around is more likely to bite than a sound pit bull. Most bites that are labeled as "pit bull attacks" are in fact mixed breeds with short hair. Why would the Ontario Veterinary Association, the Humane Society, so many Animal Control Officers and Shelter Workers be opposed to the law if these dogs were the seed of evil? Don''t breed ignorance. PS. I guess you would be ok with banning rottweilers, mastiffs, bulldogs, german shepherds, and dobermans next?
Kennel Boy 1/29/2009 11:42:53 PM - Report Abuse

Just go to the CVMA,CFHS,Canadisan Kennel Club,NCAC or any expert on the issue of Breed Specific Legislation here in Canada or anywhere in the worl and READ WHAT THESE EXPERTS HAVE TO SAY about why banning SPECIFIC BREEDS based on physical charistics does not work...we don''t ban all red cars because some fool hit a pole in one...it''s the driver...well this is the same thing...the RE4SPONSIBILITY LIES WITH THE OWNER ..by banning one phyisical type we miss all the other individual dangerous dogs that don;t fit the description...if the provincial gov''t had been smart they would have been implementing DANGEROUS DOG laws not single out just something so specific....if they had done that every organization and individual fighting this WOULD HAVE SUPPORTED IT...it does not improve public safety and it has not anywhere it has been tried ...so you know what folks to make up for the nearsighted and uninformed ...I''m sending $10 why just one? What about the rest of you dog owners...don''t just sit there!
Anonymous User 1/29/2009 11:24:02 PM - Report Abuse

Which dogs do you know want in your neighborhood crazycannuk? Could you even identify a so-called pit bull? Guess how many are in the video for example. This law, even if you believe it was well-intentioned, only punishes the innocent (responsible owners), does nothing to make anyone safer (people are still getting bitten because all dogs bite) and it is costing municipalities big bucks and wasted court time. Sure there are lots of great causes. Ms Williams isn''t asking for your first born, just a buck a dog to keep all our dogs safe. The law is barely enforceable, unconstitutional (since you can''t know for sure if your unpapered dog is the wrong shape and therefore banned) and completely unscientific. Since there is no such breed as a "pit bull" all sorts of dogs are getting caught in the BSL net. Anyone surprised our "daddy" government passed such stupidity?
Anonymous User 1/29/2009 11:06:17 PM - Report Abuse

Wondrinwhy? How about the fact that ANY short haired dog with a broad snout gets caught up in the nightmare of BSL.? Last month I had a friend who got pulled over for walking her mastiff/boxer mix pup. Animal services decided it was a pit bull and told her to get rid of her pup. There are so many of these cases right now it is scary. Responsible dog owners are being taken to task. If a criminal steals your Ford car and uses it in a crime should ALL Ford cars (instead of the criminal) be taken to task? Don''t you people get how ludicrious that is? There are MILLIONS of responsible, caring people who own these dogs that have done NOTHING but be good owners and good people BUT you don''t hear about them do you? Italy now at 92 banned and/or restricted dogs. Bermuda 23 Germany over 30 and counting. IF BSL worked they wouldn''t be ADDING different types of dogs all the time! Well balanced owner equals Well balanced dog. PERIOD.
Anonymous User 1/29/2009 10:57:47 PM - Report Abuse

I think people are missing the point here. This legislation has given the government of Ontario the right to enter your property or your house WITHOUT A WARRANT just on suspicion of having a dog that LOOKS like a ''pitbull''. This may include your lovely little lab pup or that white boxer that lives down the street. What it doesn''t address is the problem with vicious dogs. I have been bitten 3 times in my life, none of those times by a pitbull. Once a chihuahua gave me 4 stitches on my ankle, a 1/2 wolf, 1/2 husky gave me 17 stitches on my hand and a german shepherd gave me 3 stitches on my arm. Look at who causes damage or kills people, it is seldom a ''pitbull''. However, the few attacks that do happen with ''pitbulls'' are sensationalized in the news adding to a reputation which these dogs do not deserve. As far as trusting a dog, give me a pitbull over a mutt any day. With a ''pitbull'', I can at least know what to expect from the breeder, with a mutt you don''t know. This legislation does NOT address the problem. It is akin to stating that anyone who has a PORSCHE is a street racer and should be immediately penalized for his choice. Look at the DOG, NOT the BREED. BSL DOES NOT WORK!!!
Molly2 1/29/2009 10:56:08 PM - Report Abuse

Pitbulls are like any other dog, it is the owner''s who make them what they are. It is not the dog''s fault they have that bad reputation and why should a few bad apples ruin it for the rest of the breed. You can take any dog and make it aggressive but you can also take an aggressive dog and train it to be well mannered. Give these dogs a chance.... they can make an excellent pet and deserved to loved like any other. You can count on my 3 dollars Ms St Louis!
ThylacineQueen 1/29/2009 10:38:56 PM - Report Abuse

It''s not the dog it''s the owner.I work with dogs,as well as volunteer at an animal shelter for ten years.Pitbulls are great dogs.i too have an unknown mix,about 25 pounds that coiuld fall under this,though she is suppossed to be a rat terrier mix,but to me she looks like a black basenji.Goes to show you everyone sees something different.Small dog owners should be concerned too,I had a shaved scottish Terrier that someone said should be muzzled because he''s a pitbull...
Bryan_1 1/29/2009 10:19:54 PM - Report Abuse

If you have children, you really should want to see more pit bulls in your neighbourhood. These wonderful dogs have been known as among the best family pets for generations. Did you ever see the Little Rascals, with that little rascal pit bull Pete the pup playing with all those small children? Any dog owner should be concerned. If a concerted media campaign could get a lovable breed like the pit bull banned, then no dogs are safe. That''s why every dog owner should contribute to this cause.
TheMxcian 1/29/2009 10:12:00 PM - Report Abuse

Its not the dogs fault, its owners who dont properly train dogs, i have seen many other dogs bite people and other dogs, any dog from your beagles, cocker spaniels, jack russels to huskies, oh yeah, and by the way, once you allow them to ban one dog, its much easier to ban others, maybe the one that you own.
zoecam 1/29/2009 10:03:28 PM - Report Abuse

This is not a pit bull issue. This is an issue of politicians creating a law that is not based on media/hype rather than fact. The Canadian Kennel Club and the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, two sources of expert information in defining what a breed is, are strongly against this legislation. ''Pit bulls'' aren''t even a breed, and yet the ban broadly defines any shorthaired dog with a broad head as banned - regardless of whether the dog is in fact a pit bull.. It''s the same thing as saying all black dogs are mean. Any dog - regardless of breed - is equally capable of inflicting damage on humans. A law that deals with all dangerous dogs, rather than profiling a certain ''look'' of dog (regardless of pedigree). Dog bites are prevented by responsible dog ownership - training and management. If this ban is not repealed, it will not stop at ''pit bulls''. It never does. The issue of dog bite injuries will not go away and the political response in other jurisdictions has always been to add more breeds to the ''banned'' list. Over 92 breeds are banned or restricted in Italy - including shepherds, boxers, terriers, collies, corgis, labs, retrievers - and of course any mix there of. Schipperkes, a ~15 pound breed is currently banned in Germany. Bill 132 will not stop at ''pit bulls''.
Anonymous User 1/29/2009 9:10:35 PM - Report Abuse

The ignorance of the general public is hilarious. There is no such thing as a vicious breed of dog. It all boils down to the owner''s training. Any dog can become an attack animal. (Of course doing such training with a Chihuahua is pointless.) We only have to look back 25+ years when the panic was about Doberman breed. The wives tail that their brains were too large for their skull and they were vicious and untrustworthy. Before that there was an over breeding of Shepheards. They were bad doggies too. Bull Mastiffs and Rotweillers have the same biting strength and outsize the Pits at times 2 to 1. Yet there are no cries for banning them. They can be trained to be bloodthirsty attackers just as easily. One final thought, remember Pete the lovable dog from The Little Rascals? That white pooch with the black ring around his eye? - That killer was a Pit Bull.........
Anonymous User 1/29/2009 9:04:22 PM - Report Abuse

this breed ban is disgusting. it is not a breed that makes a dog dangerous, it is the owner that makes a dog dangerous. we need to shift from blaming pets to blaming the owners. dogs who are happy and treated well do not lash out for no reason, even if they are pit bulls. dogs that are mistreated, beat, underfed, bred to fight.... these dogs are dangerous. and they aren''t dangerous because of what breed they are, its because of the life their owner has forced on them. wake up. judge the deed not the breed. we wouldn''t do this with humans, its called racism.
Anonymous User 1/29/2009 8:42:36 PM - Report Abuse

Any dog can be a threat. It''s not the dog...it''s the owner of the dog that causes the problem. Doberman''s can be just as vicious in the wrong hands. So can a German Shepherd. The pit-bull ban is stupid law. It doesn''t go after the real problem....the owner.
valleyboy_1 1/29/2009 8:35:33 PM - Report Abuse

Pitbull attacks have ceased to be a regular thing in Ontario.The law works. It''s the irresponsible pitbull owners that have made this law necessary.
docgolf 1/29/2009 7:05:21 PM - Report Abuse

There are two things, that make dangerous dogs... (1) Ignorance (2) Bad Owners Pitbulls are not born killers. They our very gentle breed, they can be raised to be very loving companions. So are Pitbulls Dangerous? No!! I guess the true answer lies in how you will raise any animal. In Memory of Caesar (Pitbull) who passed last year of cancer at 11 years of age.
Anonymous User 1/29/2009 5:48:40 PM - Report Abuse

Ignorance equals kills, when trained right them dogs can be loyal loving pets, when treated wrong they will be volatile as a Shepard, as a Rottweiler, as a Poodle would do, or even as I would do. The genocide of an entire breed in Ontario is a constitutional violation and immoral, Michael Bryant should need to wear a muzzle in public. It is the same principal of taking all the kids parents in the flour mill and having them sterilized and banning new kids from the area, would we ever allow this? It would reduce crime hypothetically. However what is missed is the media attention portrayed on every single pitbull bite, and the wide variety of dogs that the media sticks with the "pitbull" designation. How many recall when the black labradour bite someone in Bell Park 2 summers ago? How about a muzzle requirement on them, or wait they hardly made the medias radar. Granted some bad people own pitbulls, myself I own a pitbull and feel sick to my stomach when government attempts to censor our lives, because of a few bad apples. So my plea to every here, is to do the RESEARCH on breed designation by the media. I know no one will do it, because there just seen as monsters but leave your trailer parks and attend the local library to afford yourselves internet access and please come to the sane reasonable conclusion, genocide IS WRONG. Thank you, Respectfully, Christopher + Bill (6 year old pitbull, who sleeps beside my face every night, and to all the haters disbelief I am still alive, face intact and all)
whiteswan69_1 1/29/2009 3:57:22 PM - Report Abuse

I always had a dog but would never want a pit bull.Those dogs cannot be trusted.
wondrinwhy 1/29/2009 3:34:49 PM - Report Abuse

Why? I wouldn''t mind everyone giving a dollar to Habitat for Humanity for every nail they have, I''m sure everyone has a pet cause. Perhaps this lady could explain what good would come from repealing that law?
crazycannuk_1 1/29/2009 3:14:10 PM - Report Abuse

I would never donate to this cause. I think pitbulls are dangerous dogs...more-so than any other domesticated animal. I have children and I don''t want these dog''s in my neighborhood so not having them in my province is even better. I support bill 132!!!