BSL in Ontario
On August 29, 2005, the province of Ontario enacted the largest geographical “pit bull” ban in the world.
The DOLA Act of Ontario defines “pit bulls” as:
- A pit bull terrier
- A Staffordshire bull terrier
- An American Staffordshire terrier
- An American pit bull terrier
- A dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics substantially similar to any of those dogs.
Not only has this ban failed to reduce dog bites and keep communities safe, but it has failed owners and their dogs. Numerous families have been destroyed due to this ban, and thousands of healthy dogs with no history of causing harm to animals or humans have been killed or sent to testing facilities to die.
Over the years, jurisdictions such as Ottawa have acknowledged that the ban is ineffective and a waste of animal control resources, and do not enforce it, but they are legally obligated to investigate complaints about "pit bull" type dogs and cannot adopt out these dogs if they end up in the shelters.
The ban has not had its intended effect of ending the presence of "substantially similar" dogs. People continue to breed or import them despite the legislation. And because of the wording of the law, even a cross-breed of two "legal" dogs (e.g. boxer/lab) can create a dog of "substantially similar" characteristics that is targeted by the legislation.
That means we can't even take comfort in knowing that "type" dogs are phased out and no longer subject to these laws. They continue to be seized, surrendered and abandoned and even the most "adoptable" dog has a slim chance of being adopted out in a province where they are illegal.
For dog owners who were lucky enough to get their dogs grandfathered in, they find themselves to be literally a dying breed. Greying muzzles, aching bones, deteriorating health, and the last stretch of hope all lead to a sad ending, made sadder by the knowledge that this will be the last time they will have a dog of similar physical characteristics in their home province.
Advocates have been active since the first whispers of the legislation. There have been multiple attempts to challenge the breed ban, from private member bills to formal court challenges. However, the government that introduced the legislation remained in power, and remained invested in their decision.
This may change in 2020. A new government is in power, and a private members bill passed second reading in 2019. For more information about this bill and to show your support, visit https://www.endtheban.ca.
If you live in Ontario, contact your MPP and ask about their position on the breed ban. If you know people in Ontario please encourage them to do so. A simple phone call or brief email makes a difference and lets them know that their voters are watching.
