Ontario pitbull ban

 

 

By Kati Panasiuk

After 10 years of breed-specific legislation, officials from Windsor-Essex County are still upset the ruling has not been considered for an appeal.

Provincial premiers have not changed their opinions on the breed ban. Since its effective date in August 2005 owners are under strict rules for owning a pitbull in Ontario. Owners must comply with a list of rules to own a pitbull such as muzzling the dog and confinement to the owner’s property. Punishments can be, but are not limited to, a $10,000 fine, six months imprisonment and seizure of the dog.

Organizations like the Humane Society have been against the legislation since the beginning. Melanie Coulter, executive director of the Windsor-Essex Humane Society, has expressed the society’s frustrations with the law. Coulter said breed-specific legislation is not effective because it impacts the dogs inappropriately.

“A real concern with this legislation is how these breeds are identified. How you define what a pitbull is and why one breed is restricted and the other one is not. It is very arbitrary,” said Coulter. “I think there is a lot of evidence out there, dealing with dangerous and irresponsible owners can be done in a much better way than just banning an entire breed without any consideration for the owners or the dogs themselves.”

There are many famous pitbulls in history that have made major headlines in a positive way. ‘Petey’ from Little Rascals is most famously known in the public for his heart-warming performance in 1925. Pitbulls are also the only breed in history to make the cover of Life Magazine three times. Although pitbulls have been an iconic feature in history, the breed faces many negative judgements in societies across North America. Power figures like Cesar Millan and Tia Torres from the show Pitbulls and Parolees fight to correct the perception of pitbulls.

Veterinarian Robert Fetherston of Town and Country Animal Hospital, is unhappy with the breed ban in Ontario. Fetherston said he believes government did not handle the ban correctly.

“A lot of them are pretty good family dogs. I have seen a lot of good pitbulls and some bad ones. It is a matter of responsible ownership,” said Fetherston.

The ban is still in effect across the province and with no appeal standing in court Breed-Specific Legislation looks to remain in Ontario. Pitbull advocates everywhere are showing no signs of giving up the fight to bring the breed back into Ontario homes.