N.B. backs away from bill targetting certain dog breeds for control

Canada -- New Brunswick politicians have decided to get rid of references to specific breeds in proposed legislation to control dangerous dogs.

Kelly Lamrock, the opposition Liberal member who sponsored a bill to restrict breeds such as rottweilers, said Thursday public hearings have shown that approach would be unworkable and unfair.

Lamrock said he is considering replacing his proposed Restricted Dogs Act with a new Dog Owner Responsibility Act.

The Restricted Dogs Act was the subject of public hearings this week and virtually all of the people who appeared were opposed to forcing owners of such dogs as rottweilers, pit bulls and Japanese akitas to take special measures.

The measures included muzzling the dogs at all times in public and carrying $1 million in liability insurance.

Lamrock said he is willing to drop the elements of the act people oppose in favour of targetting irresponsible dog owners.

"There are basic principles that have to be part of any legislation," Lamrock said.

"It has to be province-wide, owners of dogs who attack have to be held liable and there have to be tough penalties for negligent owners."

Justice Minister Brad Green said the two days of public hearings proved there is no support for breed-specific legislation, but people do want more done to control dangerous animals.

"There is a great deal of common ground between government and opposition," Green said.

It is likely a new bill will be introduced during the next session of the legislature, which begins next month.