Animal control officer supports pitbull ban

Clinton,Ontario, Canada -- Controversy surrounds the Ontario government’s plan to ban the pit bull, but Central Huron’s animal control officer said something has to come in order to protect the victims of dog attacks.

While the proposed ban applies to pit bulls and four related breeds, the control officer said it should apply to any vicious dog, regardless of breed.

“Something has to protect the victim,” said Bob Trick, animal control officer for many area municipalities. “The victims are having problems, it’s not fair.”

“They really need to something about vicious dogs, it doesn’t matter what they are,” he said, adding a vicious dog is any, “dog that bites without provocation.”

Trick has been bitten by many dogs and he said he has met many people who have been seriously bitten. In some places he noted dogs have mauled or killed small children or other pets.

To get justice, victims of serious dog attacks have to spend a lot of time in courts, and Trick noted it is hard on someone with serious injuries.

When he encounters someone who has been bitten, Trick said, “They are very upset and think the municipality should have done something to prevent it.”

However, when he talks to the owners of vicious dogs, he said they don’t think they should be charged.

“I’m always the bad person,” he said.

Under the proposed ban, Trick said anyone with a pit bull would be under a grandfather clause, but their dog or dogs would have to be spayed or neutered and registered. When out in public, they must be leashed and muzzled.

According to the attorney general’s Web site, the owners of a dangerous dog could be charged $10,000 and face up to six months jail time if their dog bites, attacks or poses a threat to public safety. Courts would also be given the ability to order restitution to the victims of dog attacks.

The proposed legislation would also “provide for the power to search and seize dogs under a warrant on private property or without a warrant in emergency situations or in a public place.”

According to Trick, dangerous breeds are on the increase in Huron County.

While he said more prevention of vicious dog attacks is needed, he noted many people are fighting the proposed legislation.