Press Releases

Ban in effect, but you can still adopt...

The ban is in effect... but don't panic...because The Toronto Humane Society will inform you with the knowledge and the tools you need to keep you and your dog safe. DONT KILL YOUR DOG, it is unnecessary to euthanize your dog if it falls under the description of a Pit bull terrier. If you think your dog is subject to the dangerous dog legislation follow the conditions outlined in the legislation. If you don't, you may lose your dog, as an animal control officer may take your dog without question.

Under the new law you may:

Give your Pit bull to a friend or family member if you feel you cannot abide by the conditions of the law.

The THS can find homes for your Pit bulls. We will supply you with a muzzle and information about putting the muzzle on your dog properly. *The muzzle provided by The Toronto Humane Society is an initial restraint for your dog. Please consult your canine behaviour expert or veterinarian to assess the required muzzle for your specific dog.

Remember, if all else fails, we will accept your dog and find it a proper home. The Toronto Humane Society is not euthanizing any Pit bulls as a result of the ban.

Highlights of the LAW:

• Pit bulls already owned in Ontario before Aug/29, or born in the next 90 days, are deemed "restricted" and can stay in the province. They must be leashed and muzzled when in public, and spayed or neutered. Owners of these animals are prohibited from allowing their dogs to stray and cannot train them for fighting. The law includes a 60 day grace period ending Oct/28 to allow owners to comply. Registered purebreds are exempt from being sterilized as long as they show regularly. A dog deemed physically unfit for surgery by a veterinarian because of old age or infirmity is also exempt.
• If a person didn't own a Pit bull as of Aug/29 they can still acquire one restricted dog either by adoption or bequest. Those with restricted Pit bulls at that date can acquire other restricted dogs, but they can never own more than they did as of Aug/29.

Pit Bull Breed Banning

As you know, the Attorney General’s office has announced that it will be introducing legislation in regard to banning Pit Bulls in Ontario.

We are very sad Mr. Bryant did not seek our opinion and that he has decided to proceed with legislation that we believe will not provide a solution in the long term.

We will endeavour to keep you informed as this issue progresses to the best of our abilities. Please continue to check our website for further news.

Presentation to Standing Committee of the Legislative Assembly - January 24, 2005

Official Statement

Toronto Humane Society - Motion from the Board of Directors

Petition

Letter to the Editor

Letters of protest to Members of the Legislature

Official Statement

Pit bulls that are bred responsibly, trained and provided with loving environments make wonderful pets. As with all breeds of dogs, responsible pet ownership is the key to ensuring that dog behaviour is acceptable. A Pit bull puppy is no different from any other puppy.

Ontario’s Attorney General recently suggested the possibility of a province-wide Pit bull ban. Breed bans are not the answer to dog bites and aggressive behaviour. As long as irresponsible breeders and owners encourage hostile activity, the problem will not be resolved. If Pit bulls are banned, the wrong people will simply train dogs of another breed to be aggressive.

The opportunity now exists for government to look at the whole issue of animal welfare and community safety, not just breed banning – a knee-jerk reaction. Breed banning will prove to be only a Band-Aid solution. Federal, provincial and municipal governments need to deal with the pressing need for better animal welfare legislation in Ontario. Current laws are antiquated and ineffective and lag far behind the other provinces and many other countries.

The answer to this serious issue is tougher legislation to give animal welfare agencies the tools to do their job properly. As well, a thoughtful program of breeder registration, responsible pet ownership that includes knowledge, kindness and dog neutering will help eliminate these tragic bite incidents.

The Toronto Humane Society has many wonderful Pit bulls available for adoption and our files are full of testimonials from happy and successful Pit bull adopters. Before all Society dogs are put up for adoption, the animals are carefully assessed by veterinarians and canine experts. In addition, a thorough screening process, including a “meet ‘n’ greet”, ensures dogs are matched with responsible owners who will provide them with proper training and caring environments.

To express your opposition to a Pit bull breed ban in Ontario, please contact:

The Honourable Michael J. Bryant
Attorney General
720 Bay St., 11th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5G 2K1
Telephone: 416. 326. 2220
Fax: 416. 326. 4016
Email: mbryant.mpp@liberal.ola.org

Petition

This petition is an open forum and is not hosted by The Toronto Humane Society, therefore the messages and opinions provided may not accurately reflect those of The Toronto Humane Society.

Click HERE to sign the petition.

Letter to the Members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly

Michael Bryant
Response

Cam Jackson
Response

Garfield Dunlop
Response

Howard Hampton
Response

Jim Wilson
Response

Joseph Tascona
Response

Dr. Marie Bountrogianni
Response

John Tory
Response

Remarks in the Ontario Legislature by Peter Kormos

Motion from the Board of Directors of The Toronto Humane Society

MOTION: THE TORONTO HUMANE SOCIETY UNEQUIVOCALLY CONDEMNS BILL 132. IT IS TOTALLY UNREALISTIC AND DRACONIAN AND MANY INNOCENT ANIMALS WILL NEEDLESSLY SUFFER OR DIE AS A RESULT. PET OWNERS CARE ABOUT DOG BITES AS MUCH AS ANY ONTARIANS, BUT THIS LEGISLATION, CONCEIVED AND DRAFTED IN SECRET, WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ATTACKS ARE ROOTED IN ANIMAL ABUSE BY BREEDERS AND OWNERS AND ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO CHANGE THEIR BEHAVIOUR. THIS BILL WILL PENALIZE RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS, AND, WHEN FOUND INEFFECTIVE, WILL RESULT IN THE BANNING OF OTHER BREEDS.

For more information, contact:
Communications Department

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