Why We Are Outraged

01-Apr-2005 09:01 PM

Dog owners in Ontario are outraged by the McGuinty government's decision to proceed with a province-wide breed ban at the same time that New Brunswick and other jurisdictions in North America are rejecting breed specific laws.

One of the breeds listed in Bill 132, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Stafford), is no more a "pit bull" or a threat to public safety than a Bull Terrier, Boston Terrier or Pug.

Why then, did the McGuinty government vote down a number of proposed amendments to exclude purebred breeds including one to exempt the Stafford? They knew that Staffordshire Bull Terriers:

• Have never attacked a person in Canada.
• Are a small breed, standing below the knee and weighing 28-38 pounds.
• Are rated as one of the best 10 breeds for children by university researchers.
• Are the most popular terrier in England and the English speaking world.
• Are not banned in England.
• Are not banned in France.
• Are not banned in Kitchener.

The decision to vote against the exemption of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and other purebred breeds was unreasonable, unjust and was not in the interest of public safety.

Dog experts are also outraged by Michael Bryant's lie when he said on City TV: "You don't ask an Attorney General to be the dog expert... The bottom line is it's going to be up to the experts."

The experts soundly rejected breed bans. At the hearings they disproved the pro-ban arguments, arguments that were put forward by people with little or no dog expertise. Michael Bryant and the McGuinty Liberals have not listened.

Dalton McGuinty did not honour his election promise and allow Liberal MPPs a free vote. Michael Bryant did not honour his own promise and listen to the advice of the experts by withdrawing Bill 132. Liberal MPPs voted without exception for Bill 132, which is a shoddy, unreasonable and cruel piece of legislation.

Michael Bryant, who is also the Minister for Democratic Renewal, has sent a clear signal that Ontarians can expect the Liberal government to base its legislation on ignorance and fear while the rights of responsible citizens are completely disregarded.