SBTCC News Archives

March 30, 2011

"Petitions"

Each SBTCC member in Ontario is asked to print off one page of this petition.  Then get it signed by family and friends.   Pages could also be left for signatures at your local pet store, your vet's office or local grooming salons. 
Once signed, the completed petition should be mailed to:

Julia Munro, MPP
P O Box 1129
18977 Leslie Street
Sharon ON
L0G 1V0 

OR: 

Julia Munro MPP
Room 204
North Wing Legislative Building
Queen's Park
Toronto, ON M7A 1A8

Note: Postage is required on mail to MPP's!

March 29, 2011

"Purina Nationals SBTCC Breed Table"

We had a table in the Breeders Village all three days (March 11, 12 & 13) of the shows.  The table was manned by club volunteers. The following pics were taken over the weekend.

Many thanks to Sylvia and Tracy for their work in organizing our booth for the Purina National.  The dogs sold "kisses" for $1 - but were reported to have given away more than they actually sold, in typical Staffie fashion!  The kissing booth did raise $130 for the continued fight to change BSL in Ontario.  We also collected several pages of signatures on our petition. Julia Munroe, MPP, took them and they were presented in the legislature later that week.  The dogs had a great time and drew crowds.  As there was a car show next door, we were able to introduce many people to our breed and do a lot of education!

September 24, 2010

"Hershey's Bill Postcards"

Click the thumbnails to open the full-size files

Ontario residents are asked to sign their Hersey's Bill postcards.  Use the following to address them to your MPP and mail them  as soon as possible: MPP mailing list

This is an urgent effort to garner support for Hersey's Bill , a private member's bill introduced by MPP Cheri DiNovo, which will overturn the breed specific portions of DOLA. Read about it here: Stop Canine Profiling

September 4, 2010

"Save Ontario's Dogs Rally Photos"

July 1st, 2010

"Remembering Maggie"

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Maggie, owned and loved by Holly and Tony Marshall. We share in their sorrow.

An angel was needed to shine over the earth;

Maggie was called for her gentleness and love;

She performs her one task with all of her worth;

To watch over her mum and dad from above.

April 5, 2010

"A Staffie's Best Friend "

Tribute to a very special member of the canine community; he wasn't a Staffie but he was their best friend. Our hearts go out to you and the Staffies, Mo.

March 13, 2010

"Canine Review"

Don't miss out on the latest edition of "Canine Review".  Staffordshire Bull Terriers are a featured breed.  "Canine Review" should be available in Chapters soon.

December 13, 2009

"Dog Day at the Park Rally photos"

Some photos taken by Joan Trott from the Rally at Queen's Park on November 18th to support Cheri DiNovo's Private Member's Bill to repeal the breed specific portion of the Dog Owner's Liability Act.

For more photos, go here: http://www.staffordcanada.com/queensparkrally.html

November 21, 2009

"The Stafford Magazine - Treasury of the Stafford"

Squibs Mercier and the Staffordshire Arms' Stafford, Vicky, endorse this book!

A great Christmas present!

Check it out here: http://www.thestafford.co.uk/

May 21, 2010

"Sad News"

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Maggie, owned and loved by Holly and Tony Marshall. We share in their sorrow.

August 27, 2009

SBTCC  "4 in 1" Quilt Raffle

The quilt raffle is now closed! Thank you to everyone who supported us and purchased tickets.

March 2, 2009

"Dollars for Dogs"

The Banned Aid Dollars for Dogs campaign raised about $90000 which will enable us to pay our legal bills and continue on with the legal challenge. An appeal will shortly be filed with the Supreme Court of Canada.  (We must all be aware that the Court may not agree to hear our appeal.) However, the wave of overwhelming support for our cause has left us all extremely grateful.  We send sincere thanks to all the dog owners,  breeders, show judges, businesses, breed clubs, all-breed clubs, CKC directors, the CKC, "Dogs in Canada", agility, obedience and other dog sport groups, as well as to a number of cats! You came to our rescue when we needed you and we will never forget! It is still possible to donate to this campaign. Just donate $1 for every dog you have. Donate using Paypal here: or for larger contributions send directly to: Clayton Ruby in trust for Banned-Aid 11 Prince Arthur Ave. Toronto, Ontario M5R 1B2

12-January-2008

Some Wins From 2007: Emma, Opie, and Ambush

Submitted by Linda Robinson.

May 10, 2007

Great News!

This afternoon, I was just informed that L2HGA Testing is now available in the US, according to my University of Misouri contact, Dr. Dennis O'Brien. The U of MO College of Veterinary Medicine
received permission from AHT back in late March to set up and offer L2HGA testing here. U of MO's
Dr. Gary Johnson, renowned canine genetics expert, helped in setting up the test here, using AHT's
protocol.

The cost savings will be tremendous - only $40 fee per test, plus the cost of domestic overnight shipping for those owners in the US. (There are additional charges for "rush" handling, or from DNA
extraction from tissue sample instead of blood.)

Following are the various links to information pages on the U of MO website concerning these tests - please read all these pages thoroughly if you are planning to have your dogs tested:

Canine Genetic Disease Network – U of MO

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/CGD_main.htm

Canine DNA Testing for Inherited Diseases

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DNAtests/TESTmain.htm

DNA Tests Available

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DNAtests/TESTSnow.htm

Form to be filled out and submitted with blood (or tissue) sample
for L2HGA test

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DNAtests/testSTFB.pdf

Sample handling

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DNAtests/TESTinst.pdf

For shipping information from outside the US

http://www.caninegeneticdiseases.net/DNAtests/FrgnShip.pdf

If you need additional information on the testing protocol, contact U of MO's Liz Hansen (her email is on the test instructions form.)

Unfortunately, I still have no word yet on AHT's HC test - they were thinking (in February this year) of allowing a US lab to do that also but at this time there is still no decision.

Margo Milde

April 23, 2007

"Laurel - Everyone's Best Friend"

This book entitled LAUREL - EVERYONE'S BEST FRIEND (ISBN 1-4120-2621-0) by Steve Moore is a heartwarming true story about a remakable Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Laurel who in her short lifetime has brought so much happiness to so many. It details the pleasures, sadness, responsibilities and rewards of living with a remarkable Staffie. It is brand new and can be signed with your own personal dedication by the author. 188 pages with some lovely photos. Every pet owner will love this book.

DONATIONS FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THIS BOOK ARE BEING MADE TO THE NORTHERN STAFFY RESCUE, STAFFY WELFARE, EAST ANGLIAN STAFFY WELFARE AND A LOCAL ANIMAL SANCTUARY CALLED PACT.


LAUREL - Everyone's Best Friend

by Steve Moore

LAUREL IS a Staffordshire Bull Terrier who joined Steve Moore at the age of five weeks, embarking on a relationship that has been at times both wonderfully rewarding and heartbreakingly sad, but constantly rewarding for both.

I read the book in just one sitting, and found the pace very refreshing and easy to read. Steve's love of his canine pal is obvious from the word go, and Laurel's wonderful personality make the reader feel as though she is a part of the family.

It is also a wonderfully honest book. Steve makes no secret of the fact that Laurel's behavioural problems have at times been difficult, and tells us of his tireless and selfless task of first getting to the bottom of, and finally overcoming, Laurel's tail chasing which appears to have been triggered by her over-protective feeling towards him.

This book is a fabulous story of a man and his dog, their day-to-day lives and the ups and downs that come with them. Anyone who has ever owned, does own or is about to own a Staffordshire Bull Terrier would do well to check this book out. Those of you who don't, please read it anyway - wonderful and heart-warming!
Ali Smith (OUR DOGS)

"Laurel - Everyone's Best Friend" also has a website. Please visit and have a look around. Please leave a message on the message board. Steve and Laurel would love to hear from everyone.

March 8, 2007

L-2-HGA

Important information for all Staffordshire Bull Terrier owners and breeders.

In 2001 the Animal Health Trust in the United Kingdom identified a rare genetic mutation that was responsible for a devastating illness that had been found in two purebred British Staffordshire Bull Terriers. This disease is known as L-2-HGA.
L-2-HGA (L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria) in Staffordshire Bull Terriers is a neurometabolic disorder characterised by elevated levels of L-2-hydroxyglutaric acid in urine, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. In a normal dog L2-HGA is metabolized to a-ketoglutarate but in affected dogs it is not, and builds up in the body with devastating effects. L-2-HGA affects the central nervous system, with clinical signs usually apparent between 6 months and one year (although they can appear later). Symptoms include epileptic seizures, "wobbly" gait, tremors, muscle stiffness as a result of exercise or excitement and altered behaviour.

The gene for L–2-HGA is a single autosomal recessive gene, which means that a dog must receive the gene from both parents in order to be affected. Dogs that have only one copy of the mutated gene will exhibit no signs of the disease but are carriers and can pass the gene on to their offspring. Studies in the UK have indicated that as much as 15% of the SBT population may be carriers with an extrapolated 2.5% of dogs being affected (http://www.eastangliansbtclub.co.uk/health%20information.html). Unfortunately this mutation has found its way into the Canadian gene pool and carriers (and possibly affecteds) have been identified. Genetic testing is now available to all breeders or anyone who fears their dog may be affected. Results will indicate the following information:

CLEAR: the dog has 2 copies of the normal gene and will neither develop L-2-HGA, nor pass a copy of the L-2-HGA gene to any of its offspring.

CARRIER: the dog has one copy of the normal gene and one copy of the mutant gene that causes L-2-HGA. It will not develop L-2-HGA but will pass on the L-2-HGA gene to 50% (on average) of its offspring.

AFFECTED: the dog has two copies of the L-2-HGA mutation and is affected with L-2-HGA. It will develop L-2-HGA at some stage during its lifetime, assuming it lives to an appropriate age.

Carriers can still be bred to clear dogs. On average, 50% of such a litter will be clear and 50% carriers; there can be no affecteds produced from such a mating. Pups which will be used for breeding can themselves be DNA tested to determine whether they are clear or carrier. However, the only way to remove the hidden threat of this genetic disorder from the population is to eliminate all carriers from the breeding pool.
All testing is done at the Animal Health Trust in the UK and requires that a 3ml sample of blood be sent to them. For a small additional fee the sample can be tested for Hereditary Cataracts, another genetic condition affecting Staffordshire Bull Terriers.

DNA testing forms can be downloaded by going to the AHT website (www.aht.org.uk)

Enquiries should be made to Vikki Lett or Symone Ingram (08700 509144) or via e-mail to dnatesting@aht.org.uk.

Information printed with permission of The Animal Health Trust (http://www.aht.org.uk/)

23-November-2006

AM/CAN CH Distaff Alouette takes CDX title

Janine Wagar is very proud to announce that her female Am/Can Ch Distaff Alouette CD, CGN (AKA Dyna Sport) earned her CDX Title and went High in Trial on October 26, 2006 at the British Columbia All Terrier Specialty Show. Way to go Dyna Sport and Janine!

18-November-2006

CH. Distaff Ophelia "Opie"

SBTCA Specialty Show Weekend, Kachina Kennel Club, Buckeye, Arizona. BEST OF WINNERS over an entry of 32 Open dogs and bitches. SIRE: AM CH Trugrip Knight Sky (USA), Dana & Jenny Merritt. DAM: AM/CD CH Spadille Maybe Baby, Trudy Hanson. Owned by Linda Robinson Pictured here with Dana Merritt and Jolene Lee who both showed Opie beautifully, Breeder, Trudy Hanson and Judge Robert Shreve. Thank you to all who made this fantastic win possible for just a young pup. Opie has accomplished quite a bit in a very short period of time in 5 months as a puppy with limited showing: 2 Grp. Firsts, 2 Grp. Seconds, 4 Grp. Thirds, 4 Grp. Fourths, 13 BPIG's, multiple BPIB, BOB, and BOS.

1-July-2006

Squibs Mercier presents the Tom Wall's Trophy to the top U. K. Stafford

June 23 - June 25, 2006

Algoma Dog Fanciers - All-Breed Championship Shows

Sault Ste. Marie, ON June 23 - June 25, 2006 Special Thank You once again to Algoma Dog Fanciers for donating $1 from each entry to the Legal Defence Fund! BEST IN SHOW! June 24, 2006 Judge: Dr. Richard Meen CH Clandara's Axel Foley Breeders: Tracy Dineley, Mary Davies Owners: Brian Saliba, Tracy Dineley Sire: Cock N Bull Tanner Dam: CH Clandara's Thewholekitnkabootle Handler was Tracy Dineley. We believe this was the first Canadian SBT Best in Show where the winning dog was breeder/owner handled. Thank you to judge, Dick Meen! Congratulations to Axel! Congratulations to Tracy!

STAFFORDS SWEEP GROUP 4!
June 25, 2005
Judge: Rosemary Shoreman

Thank you to judge, Rosemary Shoreman. Congratulations to all!

04-April-2006

New Canadian Champion

Opie, who has just turned 7 months old, has had a busy few weeks. In her first two weekends out she achieved her Canadian championship. Opie is lovingly owned by Linda Robinson.

26-February-2006

Congratulations to Timber (Penstaff Scugug Timber) and Valerie Oxenham

16-February-2006

UPDATE: Staffies Successfully Re-Homed!

Sam and Cody have now been adopted and will be living in non-BSL affected areas in Western Canada!

Special thanks to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Puget Sound who offered these dogs a courtesy postings on their websites! One of the leads generated from the SBTCA's website did result in the adoption of one of the dogs.

The SBTCC would like to thank Kim Young and all those who assisted her finding new homes for these beautiful, loving boys.

15-February-2006

Thank You to the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland has made a substantial donation to the SBTCC Legal Defence Fund to fight BSL and the provisions of Bill 132 in Ontario. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the foremost body of expertise on the Staffordshire Bull Terrier world-wide. The Breed Council comprises all 17 UK SBT clubs and societies registered with The Kennel Club, and 9 overseas clubs are Associate members. The objectives of the Breed Council are to co-ordinate activities of the constituent members and to promote the well-being and improvement of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The SBTCC would like to thank the Council for its aid in this fight.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club (UK)

The Notts & Derby District Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club (UK) has made a generous donation to the SBTCC Legal Defence Fund to fight BSL and the provisions of Bill 132 in Ontario. The SBTCC would like to thank the members of the NDDSBTC for their gift.

02-January-2006

North Eastern Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club (U. K.) Donates to Legal Defence

We have just received a wonderful donation to the Legal Defence Fund from the membership of the North Eastern Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club (U. K.). The North Eastern Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club was formed in 1976.

Its aims and objectives are to promote the breed and ensure its ownership is placed in the hands of only those that dedicate themselves to it, for it is a breed amongst breeds, for those who are familiar with it.

The club maintains a public guest book. The SBTCC encourages its membership to leave a note with our U. K. friends for this timely Christmas present to our fight.

22-November-2005

Microchips

This in from Belle Campeau:

These are the different microchips that are/have been used by the CKC.

It’s IMPERATIVE that people know which kind their dog has and if their vet and Humane Societies are able to scan for them.

21-November-2005

SBTCC Booster in Abbotsford, BC Results (October 29, 2005)

From Janine Wagar:

Here are the winners for the Booster in Abbotsford.

I would like to take a few minutes to thank a few people for their help:

• Jean Anne, Linda Robinson and Ellie for manning our Breed and Legal Defence table;
• Trudy and Paul Hanson who put on the Pancake Breakfast. (Good food and good company!);
• My husband (Gary) who handled the Raffle Table;
• Al Eastman (our very own Auctioneer);
• The people who donated to the Booster, Raffle and Legal Defence Tables;
• Royal Canine;
• Bosley's Pet Food;
• Blue Dog Bakery;
• Fern Owen;
• Belle Campeau;
• Trudy Hanson;
• Linda Robinson;
• Clive & Coleen Wilkinson;
• Barb McKee ( Sheltie Breeder & friend);
• Karen Kissinger (friend).

Thanks a million!! I couldn't have do it without you.

Janine Wagar

BOB-BIS: Am/Can Ch. Trugrip St. Rogue Red by Roxee
By BIS Ch Trugrip Knight Sky x Ch Trugrip BC Millenium Miss
Breeders & Owners: Jolene Lee and Dana Merritt

BOS: Am/Can Ch. Distaff Alouette CD
by Ch Surestaff Qualitz x Ch Distaff Lady Hornblower
Owner: Janine Wagar
Breeder: Trudy Hanson

Winners Dog: Staffified's Torque
By Mitnpowa Southern Cross x Ch Staffhaven's Bold as Brass
Owners: Gordon and Julie Robinson
Breeder: Janine Wagar

Best Puppy: Rowenda Pride of Fitzsimons
By Rowenda Dark Aristocrat x Rowenda Miss Renegade
Owner: John Pearson
Breeders: JT Rowe and KL Beeson

October 2005

Squibs Honoured!

Squibs Mercier honoured with Dennis Springer Award We would like to congratulate Squibs Mercier, who has had the great honour of being selected by the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of America (STBCA) to receive the Dennis Springer Award this year for her contribution to the breed in North America. The contribution that Squibs has made to our wonderful breed is something truly remarkable.

24-July-2005 08:32 pm

Congrats to the New Graduate!

Ambush is a recent graduate of the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program of Manitoba. Pictured here with Ambush is his very proud human Linda Robinson who has been visiting senior facilities for years with all of her Staffords: Oliver, Ellie and Chaos.

18-July-2005 10:15am

Great News from Vancouver!

From the proposed by law:

During Council's consideration of the "Dangerous dogs: Protection Strategy" report in February 2005, many speakers were opposed to breed specific legislation designating certain dog breeds as vicious. In this report, "vicious dog" refers to a dog with a history or known propensity for very aggressive behaviour toward people or other domestic animals. It was felt that most dogs could be kind and loyal pets if raised in a caring and loving home environment. Singling out pit bull breeds under the existing "vicious dog" definition is regarded as unfair, discriminatory and unnecessary. In the past, the City has never found it necessary to rely upon the breed specific part of the vicious dog definition to deal with vicious dog issues. Therefore, the exclusion of a reference to specific breeds in the definition is recommended.

Full text: http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20050714/documents/pe3.pdf

The SBTCC would like to thank Will McEwen for his work on this issue.

1-June-2005 1:09 pm

2005 Ottawa SBTCC Booster

May 27-29, 2005 the SBTCC held its 2005 booster hosted by the Ottawa Kennel Club at the Richmond Fairground, outside of Ottawa.

The Ottawa Kennel Club graciously suspended judging in all other rings during judging of SBTCC Booster. This move was designed to focus attention on our breed and its plight under Bill 132.

There was an important Club meeting at that show. There was an information table, donation jar for BSL, and a beautiful hand-knit afghan for raffle.

The club would like to thank all those who took part in the booster to make it a very special day.

23-Apr-2005 08:41 AM

Prince Edward Island decides against Breed Specific Legislation

As reported by the CBC, the government of Prince Edward Island has amended its provincial Dog Act to allow Humane Society officials new powers to deal with dangerous dogs. The Act also gives the courts direction on how to deal with the owners of dangerous dogs.
However, the changes do not include breed specific measures. The bill deals with dangerous dogs that are a menace or actually bite or attack people or other animals.

Despite Ontario Attorney-General Michael Bryant's claims in a news story in the Toronto Sun on April 7th, other Canadian provinces are not following Ontario's "progressive" legislation for dealing with dangerous dogs.  In the past 6 months Ontario, New Brunswick and PEI have considered how to deal with dangerous dogs at the provincial level.  All three provinces have heard the same arguments from the experts and from responsible dog owners.  Only Ontario has decided to single out specific breeds to somehow deal with all dangerous dogs.  As well, unlike PEI, Ontario has not made it more likely that courts will actually make use of the increased fines and penalties that Ontario has introduced.

10-Apr-2005 08:11 AM

Staffies and other Bull and Terrier Breeds Under Assault: Ladysmith, BC Adopts Breed Specific Bylaw

On April 18, 2005 the town of Ladysmith, BC will adopt Dog Licensing, Control and Pound Bylaw, 1995 No. 1155 Amendment Bylaw (No. 2) 2005, No. 1554 (includes new regulations, licensing and impoundment fees).

The amendments define "pit bulls" as restricted dogs and "pit bulls" are defined as a:

Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier; and any dog of mixed breeding, which includes the aforementioned breeds.

SBTCC member Janine Wagar, who had spoken out successfully against Victoria's breed specific proposal in December 2004, had asked that she be notified when third reading would take place, so that she could attend. She received no notification.

01-Mar-2005 09:48 PM

Continuing the Challenge

Dear Members of the Club and All Responsible Dog Owners,

Our Executive is saddened that such hastily conceived and irresponsible legislation has passed into law in a legislative assembly in Canada. The Ontario Government under Dalton McGuinty and his Attorney General Michael Bryant have concocted legislation that will be proven ineffective, unfortunately at the cost of many other victims being bitten and innocent dogs put down. The stupidity and arrogance of such men is beyond belief.

Where do we go from here? There will be a court challenge. When this starts will be entirely up to Clayton Ruby. Mr. Ruby has been hired by the Banned Aid Coalition, comprising of a number of dog clubs and dog associations. The challenge will be very expensive. If you are in a position to help financially a donation is appreciated. There will be official fund raising enterprises that all will be asked to contribute in one way or another. We must understand that overturning government legislation is both a difficult and a long process. We must also understand that while the legislation is being challenged in court the law is still in force. There is no grace period while the legislation is being challenged.

We can fight this legislation by becoming politically active. In two and a half years time there will be an election. It is up to you to decide which political party in your riding has the ability to defeat the Liberal member of the legislature. This party must be supported and helped. You must be active in writing letters to the newspapers, not just about dogs, but about all issues where this government has failed the people of Ontario. There are many voters on the other end of a leash, make sure we involve them. We need to gather bite statistics. We must see to it that all vicious attacks are reported in the press and that the breed of the dog is correctly identified. By gathering such information and having it reported correctly is a major way of embarrassing the government and showing the people of Ontario that Bill 132 is not working.

Our Executive believe that this is the most important time to be a member of the club . All members must be able to contact each other for advice and support. The web page will keep you up to date of what is happening and what you should be doing. We must be strong and we must be united. Members from outside Ontario must understand that Michael Bryant has publicly stated he hopes that other provinces and states follow Ontario's example. Today, in the press, he was quoted as saying:

"I would anticipate that other states and provinces across North America will pursue it when they see that, in fact, in Ontario it got safer with this bill."

Both courses of action will take time and energy. Our patience and courage will be tested at all times. We must not endanger ourselves or our dogs. We must fight! Squibs told me to tell you to look into your Stafford's eyes, see the love and determination there and emulate it. They will not let us down! We will not let them down!

Pat your dogs for me.

Clive.

Julie King Appointed SBTCC Life Member

The Executive of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Canada wishes to express its admiration and gratitude to Julie King for the time and effort she has put into fighting Bill 132. Her sacrifice for our breed has been unstinting. It is our fervent wish that it will continue. As Squib's says, "She has been a Stafford".

For everything she has done for us and our Breed the Executive have unanimously appointed Julie as a Life Member of the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Canada.