Ontario, Canada

On today's episode of "Messages of Misconception" we will briefly chat about the fact that Ontario, Canada still bans the following:

(a) a pit bull terrier,

(b) a Staffordshire bull terrier,

(c) an American Staffordshire terrier,

(d) an American pit bull terrier,

(e) a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to those of dogs referred to in any of clauses (a) to (d); (“pit-bull”)

The "pit bull" ban took effect on August 29, 2005 and despite multiple attempts to fight for a repeal the has been in place since this date. You can learn more about the current bill to repeal the ban at endtheban.ca.

If you lived in Ontario during the time of the ban your dog was grandfathered in as long as you could comply with the requirements set out by the regulations. In order for a "pit bull" to legal in Ontarion is must been owned by an Ontario resident on August 29, 2005, or
Born in Ontario within 90 days after August 29, 2005. This would mean that most legal dogs would be almost 15 years of age. Sadly the faces of legal "pit bull" type dogs are a very rare sight.

"Dog shows must be sanctioned, in writing, by one or more of the following dog registries: Canadian Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, American Kennel Club or American Dog Breeders Association.

"There are limited exceptions to certain requirements of the pit bull ban to allow the participation of pit bulls in dog shows and flyball tournaments."

The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) and American Kennel Club (AKC) do not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier. They do however recognize the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. It is worth noting that they also do not recognize the American Bully.

The American Pit Bull Terrier is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC), the American Dog Breeders Association and several smaller clubs.

In short:

Ontario still sadly has a ban and if caught with an illegal dog your family pet will either be seized and killed, seized and sent to a testing/research facility or if you are lucky enough you will be allowed to work with a rescue to get your dog out of the province.

Ontario absolutely practices canine profiling. One breed of dog is ok while three other breeds of dogs and anythint that looks substantially similar are banned. Meanwhile, it is legal to own a tiger in Ontario but not a "pit bull" type dog.

A bill is currently on the table to repeal BSL. Please contact your elected officials and politely ask for change.

We have sample letters and an information package available. 

Sources for further information:

Endtheban.ca

https://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/dola-pubsfty/dola-pubsfty.php

Photo credit Meghan Turnbull