For immediate release:
November 19, 2004

Barrett joins call to 'ban the deed, not the breed

MPP says breed specific legislation lacks teeth to address aggressive dog concerns

Simcoe - Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett is asking the Ontario government to rethink its breed-specific anti-pit-bull legislation.

Barrett has drafted a petition calling on the government to “ban the deed, not the breed” when it comes to aggressive dog incidents.

“There is no doubt that the people of Ontario need protection from dangerous dog attacks of all kinds – not just pitbulls – unfortunately this government has chosen to punish a single breed rather than those truly responsible,” said Barrett. “The government’s approach creates more questions than answers – questions like, just what type of dogs actually qualify as pit-bulls, and what protections are there for those bitten by another type of dog?”

As it is currently written, Bill 132 effectively bans pit bulls in the province and imposes stiff penalties on the owners of vicious dogs if they are found to cause injury to someone.

Anyone interested in picking up or signing on to a petition calling for, “a comprehensive bite prevention strategy that encourages responsible ownership of all breeds” is encouraged to contact MPP Barrett’s Simcoe constituency office.

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 519-428-0446, 416-325-8404 or 1-800-903-8629