Shon
09-28-2004, 04:40 PM
Guelph, Ontario. -- Ontario's attorney general says the increasing number of pit bull bans in the province proves cities want the government to impose a provincewide ban on the dogs.
Michael Bryant said a decision in Windsor on Monday to ban the potentially dangerous dogs and continuing debate in Toronto on Tuesday over the issue adds urgency to the government's consideration of a ban.
''Certainly Windsor and other municipalities that are coming forward with pit bull bans are saying to the province, in effect, 'We're going to need your help for a provincewide ban,' there's no doubt about it,'' Bryant said at a caucus retreat in Guelph.
''We're just not quite there yet.''
Bryant promised earlier to come up with a solution to the problem by the new year after a spate of attacks this summer by the squat, powerful dogs on people and other animals.
He has held informal public consultations with dog owners, victims and other interested parties.
''The question is whether or not pit bulls are in and of themselves a ticking time bomb and if so, do they belong in Ontario at all,'' Bryant said.
He said he hopes to have legislation ready to either ban or restrict the dogs when the legislature resumes next month.
But Bryant said he's not looking at banning other dogs, such as German shepherds, even though one recently attacked two children in St. Catharines.
Windsor city council agreed to ban pit bulls and impose strict rules on those currently living within municipal limits.
Pit bulls already in the city are grandfathered - meaning they can stay but must be registered by the end of this month.
They will also require implanted identifying microchips and must be muzzled when off private property.
Michael Bryant said a decision in Windsor on Monday to ban the potentially dangerous dogs and continuing debate in Toronto on Tuesday over the issue adds urgency to the government's consideration of a ban.
''Certainly Windsor and other municipalities that are coming forward with pit bull bans are saying to the province, in effect, 'We're going to need your help for a provincewide ban,' there's no doubt about it,'' Bryant said at a caucus retreat in Guelph.
''We're just not quite there yet.''
Bryant promised earlier to come up with a solution to the problem by the new year after a spate of attacks this summer by the squat, powerful dogs on people and other animals.
He has held informal public consultations with dog owners, victims and other interested parties.
''The question is whether or not pit bulls are in and of themselves a ticking time bomb and if so, do they belong in Ontario at all,'' Bryant said.
He said he hopes to have legislation ready to either ban or restrict the dogs when the legislature resumes next month.
But Bryant said he's not looking at banning other dogs, such as German shepherds, even though one recently attacked two children in St. Catharines.
Windsor city council agreed to ban pit bulls and impose strict rules on those currently living within municipal limits.
Pit bulls already in the city are grandfathered - meaning they can stay but must be registered by the end of this month.
They will also require implanted identifying microchips and must be muzzled when off private property.