It's time to end the Pitbull ban

We were heartened to learn this morning that the Ontario government is considering a repeal of breed-specific legislation banning pitbulls and related dogs in our province. This legislation is based in superstition and fear, not evidence. 

Indeed, since the 2005 ban went into effect, the number of dog bites suffered across Ontario has actually increased. 

The truth is simpler, though harder to legislate - dog aggression comes down to a mix of temperament and training, with the latter being the predominant factor. A well-trained dog, even if aggressive by nature, will refuse to attack; a poorly trained dog, even if gentle at heart, may still bite if provoked. Breed has nothing to do with this reality.

At the same time, loving and compassionate dog owners are unfairly punished by breed specific bans. The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association estimates that as a result of this law, over 1,000 dogs have been put to the death having never bitten or attacked a soul.

As New Democrats, we have always believed in evidence-based policy. We also believe that there is more that unites us than divides us, regardless of partisan affiliation. That is why we are respectfully calling on our MPP, Christine Hogarth, to work with her colleagues in the Progressive Conservatives and to reach across the aisle to our fellow New Democrats, in a united front to repeal this unnecessary and punitive ban. 

Are you ready to put an end to this ban and the needless slaughter of loving pets? Sign our petition here: https://www.elndp.ca/repeal-the-pitbull-ban.html