John O'Toole, PC candidate for Durham, gives a thoughful reply to our survey. Thank you very much, John, for participating - and for giving dog owners some hope!
1. If the amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) came up today for a free rather than a whipped vote as happened in 2005, would you vote in favour of banning breeds as an effective way to protect people from dog bites? Please explain.
I would not vote in favour of a breed specific ban. When the Dog Owners Liability Act (2005) was passed, not enough attention was given to advice or input from animal behaviour experts, veterinarians, and other stakeholders with expertise in the field of breed bans
2. Please tell our readers why you think the 'pit bull' ban enacted by the McGuinty government has or has not been successful in protecting the public from dog bites.
A pit bull ban targets only certain breeds and does not clearly explain what is or is not a pit bull. Moreover, a breed specific ban means that the minority of irresponsible pet owners who want aggressive dogs will simply switch to other breeds and train/breed them to be vicious. Long-term, I see no indication that a ban will protect the public from dog bites.
3. Would you be willing, if elected, to work to rescind Ontario's amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) and replace it with an existing, easily implemented Canadian system that has been effective in the control of negligent pet owners, that is supported by all responsible pet owners and that once established is fully funded by dog and cat owners rather than through general revenue taxation? Please briefly explain your response.
Legislation that places the onus on all pet owners to act responsibly would be more effective. The Dog Owner Liability Act must place responsibility where it belongs, with the owner. I do not support a breed specific ban.
4. How important to you is the issue of amending Ontario's animal cruelty legislation, the Ontario SPCA Act, using a scale of 1 to 10 (where 1 is 'not at all important' and 10 is 'extremely important')?
The priority I would attach to amending
This spring, I was pleased to support legislation from MPP Bob Runciman to amend the SPCA Act. Under his Bill, someone guilty of abusing a pet would face jail terms up to 2 years less a day, fines up to $60,000 and up to a lifetime ban on pet ownership. Unfortunately, the Legislature adjourned before the Bill was passed. I would certainly support similar legislation in the future.
5. Is there anything you'd like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your survey. I appreciate your advocacy on issues important to pet owners in
- John O'Toole, Incumbent and PC Candidate -