Animal welfare groups line up to pitch solutions for 21 pitbulls

Animal welfare groups line up to pitch solutions for 21 pitbulls seized from alleged dog-fighting ring
By Vicki Gough, Chatham Daily News
Thursday, March 10, 2016 3:53:18 EST PM



Some 30 people stood undaunted in the rain outside the Chatham courthouse Thursday, armed with signs in a defiant show of support for 21 pitbulls facing euthanasia.

Inside court, lawyers were queuing up in hopes of arguing on behalf of organizations willing to rehabilitate the animals.

The dogs were seized by the Ontario SPCA from an alleged dog-fighting operation near Merlin on Oct. 9.

Four people are facing over 300 charges resulting from the raid.

The society has now turned to the Ontario court of justice to rule on their future after an independent assessment found "the animals pose a menace to public safety and domestic animals."

Protesters are finding it hard to believe so many dogs failed their assessments.

"There is no illusion some of the dogs may not pass the assessments," said protester Kathy Green.

But she and others remain steadfast in their beliefs and experiences that dogs used in fighting rings are victims of human behaviour and deserve a second chance.

The society's application to euthanize the dogs is drawing criticism from organizations like Hersey Anti BSL (Breed Specific Legislation) Group, which has worked with the OSPCA to rehabilitate and re-home pitbulls to other provinces since the breed was banned in Ontario.

Members don't know why the society isn't using their help with these specific dogs.

Liz Sullivan says it's "very questionable all 21 dogs are not redeemable.

"The court should decide to give the dogs a chance for a second assessment, rehabilitation and a chance at a second life."

Dog Tales, a fairly new animal rescue sanctuary operating on 50 acres near the society's head office in Newmarket, has also stepped forward to lend a hand.

Its representative, lawyer John Nunziata, says the longer a court decision is delayed, the more harm comes to the 21 dogs.

"They should be taken off death row. They have a right to live, they're innocent and Dog Tales have offered a solution," said Nunziata.

The sanctuary is offering to care and house them for the rest of their natural lives, he added.

Another group, Bullies in Need is represented by lawyer Elizabeth Quinto, who has already filed the necessary paperwork to seek standing to argue against the society's application.

"We're going to ask the OSPCA to do a reassessment of the dogs," Quinto said.

Animal Justice, a national organization that advocates for humane treatment, is also seeking standing to argue against the euthanasia application.

But in the end, a judge decided not to go ahead with the case on this day.

Asked about the competing interests from all the different animal welfare organizations, not one would tell The Daily News their plan is better.

Everyone just wants what's right for the dogs, they said.

Arguments for those alternatives will have to wait.

If heard at all.

A judge may rule not to grant intervention status to any of the lawyers.

The judge was also unwilling to hear evidence despite reassurances the dog owners and their lawyer, Ken Marley, have given written and verbal approval to an alternative care plan for the dogs.

Marley was unable to be present due to a prior commitment in a Sarnia court.

The judge ruled to bring the matter back to court on March 18 saying: "I can't tell you what will happen (on March 18) as it relates to the intervention."

Ontario SPCA Insp. Jennifer Bluhm said the society stands behind the independent assessment of the dogs prepared by veterinarians who work with the American SPCA.

She said the society is unable to house the dogs in their normal shelter environment, because of their behaviour.

"We daily care for these animals, so we have staff that are put in dangerous situations having to provide food, care, bedding," Bluhm said.

"These dogs are trained to fight and kill when they see other dogs even when they're injured and exhausted."

Bluhm said the dogs' future is now in the hands of the court.

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