Shon
10-08-2004, 11:45 AM
Dog owners across Canada should howl in anger against any move by Ontario to ban pit bulls, say the breed’s supporters.
About a dozen people - some with their pit bull pets on leashes - held a protest outside the Alberta legislature yesterday.
Supporters fear if Ontario brings in legislation banning pit bulls, other provinces are bound to follow - regardless of evidence that suggests irresponsible owners are responsible for dog attacks, said Brigitte Mann, president of the Canadian American Pit Bull Terrier Association.
"Any dog treated harshly or trained to attack may be aggressive and bite a person or another animal. Any dog can be turned into a dangerous weapon," Mann said.
"Specific breeds of dogs are not to blame for the irresponsibility and idiocy of their owners."
In late August, Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant began looking at banning pit bulls after a number of serious attacks, including one in which two dogs mauled a Toronto man.
Police had to fire 16 shots to kill the animals.
The province also is considering tougher penalties for owners of all dog breeds that attack, including jail time and heavy fines.
Greg Crone, Bryant’s spokesman, said the department already has received more than 5,000 e-mails from the public.
"The overwhelming response has been in favour of a ban, but no final decision has been made," Crone said from Toronto. "Nothing will be presented until the legislature resumes in mid-October.
"Practically speaking, it will be later in the fall."
Pit bulls were created by crossing a bull dog and a terrier. They originally were bred in the 19th century to fight other dogs in pits.
Some breeders say the animals are not inherently aggressive, and with proper training and socialization can make good pets.
Mann said she routinely allows her four young daughters to play around the 20 pit bulls she has on her rural property near Lacombe, Alta. - with adult supervision.
"Our children can take their bones, their food dishes right away from them," she said. "I trust my seven-year-old to be outside with my 90-pound male Maximus."
Instead of an outright ban, New Brunswick is considering bringing in tighter controls on specific breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Japanese akitas.
The bill follows the mauling death last March of a four-year-old boy by three Rottweilers.
Groups such as the Canadian Kennel Club support vicious dog legislation, but oppose banning specific breeds.
The kennel club outlined its views in a recent letter to Bryant and the Ontario government.
About a dozen people - some with their pit bull pets on leashes - held a protest outside the Alberta legislature yesterday.
Supporters fear if Ontario brings in legislation banning pit bulls, other provinces are bound to follow - regardless of evidence that suggests irresponsible owners are responsible for dog attacks, said Brigitte Mann, president of the Canadian American Pit Bull Terrier Association.
"Any dog treated harshly or trained to attack may be aggressive and bite a person or another animal. Any dog can be turned into a dangerous weapon," Mann said.
"Specific breeds of dogs are not to blame for the irresponsibility and idiocy of their owners."
In late August, Ontario Attorney General Michael Bryant began looking at banning pit bulls after a number of serious attacks, including one in which two dogs mauled a Toronto man.
Police had to fire 16 shots to kill the animals.
The province also is considering tougher penalties for owners of all dog breeds that attack, including jail time and heavy fines.
Greg Crone, Bryant’s spokesman, said the department already has received more than 5,000 e-mails from the public.
"The overwhelming response has been in favour of a ban, but no final decision has been made," Crone said from Toronto. "Nothing will be presented until the legislature resumes in mid-October.
"Practically speaking, it will be later in the fall."
Pit bulls were created by crossing a bull dog and a terrier. They originally were bred in the 19th century to fight other dogs in pits.
Some breeders say the animals are not inherently aggressive, and with proper training and socialization can make good pets.
Mann said she routinely allows her four young daughters to play around the 20 pit bulls she has on her rural property near Lacombe, Alta. - with adult supervision.
"Our children can take their bones, their food dishes right away from them," she said. "I trust my seven-year-old to be outside with my 90-pound male Maximus."
Instead of an outright ban, New Brunswick is considering bringing in tighter controls on specific breeds such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Japanese akitas.
The bill follows the mauling death last March of a four-year-old boy by three Rottweilers.
Groups such as the Canadian Kennel Club support vicious dog legislation, but oppose banning specific breeds.
The kennel club outlined its views in a recent letter to Bryant and the Ontario government.