Here's our response from former Environment Minister, Laurel Broten, via her campaign team.  Unfortunately, our questions were not answered.

I'm sure this will sound familiar because it is the same answer we've received from a few Liberal candidates.

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Dear Selma, Lori, Steve and Sandra,

Thank you for you email.

We stand by the Public Safety Related to Dogs Statute Law Amendment Act (formerly Bill 132) we passed, which bans pit bulls and toughens penalties for the owners of any dog that poses a danger to the public.

We passed this legislation to respond to the concerns of Ontarians about their personal safety, as we are committed to building safe, strong communities and to protecting Ontarians from the menace of pit bulls. To do so, the legislation established strict regulations for existing pit bulls, making owners more responsible and helping make Ontario communities safer. In addition, this law will also protect many Ontario dogs that might otherwise themselves become the victims of pit bull attacks.

The legislation also protects them from irresponsible owners of any dangerous dogs. Irresponsible owners whose dogs are involved in an attack can now be fined up to a maximum of $10,000, and can receive jail sentences up to six months for owners ($60,000 fines for corporations were also passed).

We have set high standards for responsible dog ownership in the province of Ontario, and we are proud of our record.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to call the campaign office at 416.255.9796.

Sincerely,

Laurel Broten's Campaign 2007