Petition to release two dogs from euthanasia

[Leptonyx]

Hey everyone

This is a story that was a bit too close to home NOT to post- so I apologize for sticking it on a zoo forum:

The Brampton Guardian: Providing Local Community News for Brampton, Ontario 24/7

For those of you not from Ontario, we have a "law" that prohibits the ownership of pit bulls (although no city can really "define" what a pitbull is, it's usually based on physical appearance). The city of Brampton has seized two boxer/american-bulldog crosses from loving families, without warrant and refuses to return the dogs despite proof from veterinarians on the dogs' parentage. Furthermore there were no complaints regarding the two dogs in question- it was simply by chance that an animal control officer happened to be driving through the neighborhood and decided to hold the dog under threat of euthanasia (originally set for this Friday Feb 5th, although it has been "pushed back"). There are more details in the newspaper article above.

I've attached a link to a petition that's been circulating to try and free these dogs back to their owners. For anyone who has a dog this is a truly upsetting story; I can't imagine having to experience this (although I'm fortunate enough that my dog is a white fluffy thing and no one in their right mind would ever mistake him for a pitbull)

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/injustice-brampton-dogs-on-death-row---free-them-now

 

[Dan]

This appears to be a classic case of bureaucratic mess-up. I signed the petition.

 

[Monty]

We have laws which could result in the same situation in Australia. Council represtitives who can decide what is a dangerous dog with no apeal for the owners.

 

[Meaghan Edwards]

Breed-specific Legislation is Bulls*it legislation. For a real law that works, Calgary's model.

The Calgary Model
Save Our Dogs 2009 April 03

I encourage EVERY dog and pet owner to fight such laws. To me, it's as much as a responsibilty as it is to clean up after your dog. It boggles my mind, animals being persecuted for the way they look, but the man who made the law has killed a person and is allowed to roam free in the public.

 

[jenjen]

i went to sign it but its closed, do you know what happened to the dogs. thanks.

 

[Leptonyx]

Unfortunately I don't know what's happened to them...I'm no longer in Ontario actually so everything I can find is through the internet; I've been looking for updates but other than hearing the case was "postponed" haven't been able to get much else...anyone else?

 

[Meaghan Edwards]

I am happy to report that they were returned to their owners, but with stupid restrictions. A "dangerous dog" sign on the front yard when they haven't bitten anyone. Just for the way they look. Sigh.

 

[Leptonyx]

I am happy to report that they were returned to their owners, but with stupid restrictions. A "dangerous dog" sign on the front yard when they haven't bitten anyone. Just for the way they look. Sigh.

That's great news! I agree the "dangerous dog" sign is stupid and probably only promotes the misunderstanding on these breeds even more...but I'm sure the owners feel its a small price to pay for getting their dogs back...score one for the underdogs! (pun intended )

 

[jenjen]

I am happy to report that they were returned to their owners, but with stupid restrictions. A "dangerous dog" sign on the front yard when they haven't bitten anyone. Just for the way they look. Sigh.

fantasic news. people do have stupid ideas about dogs, ie: the big butch looking ones are the most aggressive when jack russells are one of the breeds that bites the most. my neighbour has a staffie and he is the softest, well trained thing youve ever met.