One of the hardest things about being a breed-neutral advocate is seeing fear dominate the discussions around BSL. As an advocate - as a human being - you are inclined to believe that if the science and logic can be presented, policy makers will eventually make the choice that is best for communities.
Imagine the heartbreak of dog owners and advocates back in November 29, 2005. When Bill 132 was in the hearing stage, they watched 44 experts present in favour of breed-neutral legislation. Only 1 presented in support of BSL.
At the end of the day, every Liberal voted in favour of the Bill but not a single Conservative or NDP member of provincial parliament did.
Fran of Hershey Anti BSL Group reminded us of this and summarized the experts’ testimonies at the Bill 132 Hearings.
Because of space considerations we’ve only listed the organizations here but please visit the link below for a very readable and eye-opening summary of the proceedings.
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🔷 EXPERTS AGAINST BSL 🔷
American Veterinary Medical Association
Animal Hospital of Kitchener-Waterloo
American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Canada
Association of Animal Shelter Administrators Of Ontario
Ontario Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals.
Canadian Dog Judges Association
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies
Cat and Jack K9 Safety
Animal Alliance Of Canada
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers
National Companion Animal Coalition
National Capital Coalition For People And Dogs
Dog Legislation Council of Canada
Humane Society Of Canada (HSC)
Grey-Bruce Veterinary Association
North American Flyball Association
Paws-Itively Obedient
Barrie Kenne and Obedience Club
Best Behaved Dog Academy
Bracebridge Animal Hospital
United Kennel Club
K-9 Concepts Inc.
Beaver Creek Animal Hospital
Brantford and District Kennel and Obedience Club
Animal Aide Association of St. Thomas-Elgin
Golden Horseshoe American Pit Bull Terrier Club
DogWatch.Net
Project Jessie (Animal Protection Institute)
Banned Aid Coalition
Toronto Humane Society
Rottweiler Club Of Canada
Ottawa Kennel Club
Georgina Kennel and Obedience Club
Human-Animal Bond Association of Canada
Advocates For The Underdog
Happy Dog Communications
Royal Society For The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (UK)
StaffordShire Arms, SBTCC
Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Canada
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🔷 EXPERTS FOR BSL🔷
English Nannies For Dogs Inc.
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If you read the full summary, it becomes abundantly clear that even 12 years ago, science, experience, best practices and common sense supported a breed-neutral approach. Yet, for some reason, the breed ban was seen to be a more favourable political move.
It is a disheartening reflection on our political system, and just as everyone warned, we’ve had only negative outcomes from this legislation: dogs taken from family homes, needless court battles fought, dogs euthanized because of their visual appearance, and a massive cost to taxpayers, while dog bites have only increased since 2005.
Thank you to Fran and the Hershey Anti BSL Group team for this information, and for all the work you do in Ontario!
Link to summary:
http://supporthersheysbill.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bill132.pdf
#endBSL #notoBil128 #Canada150 #BSLbytes
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#BSLbytes is a joint initiative of Hugabull Advocacy & Rescue Society and Justice for Bullies.
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Note:
For the complete record of the expert testimonies please go to: https://goo.gl/4svgVE