For immediate release:
January 28, 2005

Taking aim at the pit-bull ban – in Brantford

Simcoe – Haldimand-Norfolk-Brant MPP Toby Barrett is encouraging concerned dog owners to make their feelings known on the Liberal Pit-Bull ban. Ontario Legislature Committee hearings on Bill 132 will be held Wednesday, February 2nd in Brantford.

Bill 132, the Public Safety Related to Dogs Statute Law Amendment Act, is breed specific legislation introduced by the Ontario Liberal Government.

“Since the introduction of the Pit Bull ban, hundreds of people have contacted my office by phone, e-mail, or in person to point out the gaping holes in this legislation,” said Barrett. “The public hearings give everyone a chance to show where they stand on the banning of individual breeds.”

While the list of presenters for the committee hearing has been finalized, all are welcome to attend the hearing at 69-79 Market St. S. Meantime, anyone interested in commenting on the Bill may send written submissions to the Committee Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, 2005. Please address any written submissions to:

Douglas Arnott, Clerk
Room 1405, Whitney Block
Queen's Park, Toronto ON M7A 1A2

Barrett went on to point out that while Bill 132 may look good on the nightly news, it does little to impact on the real problem of aggressive dogs.

“Clearly, the issue should be about protecting the public from all dangerous dogs,” Barrett stated. “But banning the pit bull breed will not protect the public from other aggressive dogs.”

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