Steve Peters, former Minister of Labour and Liberal candidate for Elgin-Middlesex-London, answers our survey.  Here are his responses.

 

Dear Wag the Dog Team (Ontario):

 

Thank you for this opportunity to state our position on this important subject.

 

The Public Safety Related to Dogs Statute Law Amendment Act (formerly Bill 132) is now law and the government has implemented the legislation. That legislation bans pit bulls and toughens penalties for the owners of any dog that poses a danger to the public.

 

We are committed to building safe, strong communities and to protecting Ontarians. We passed this legislation to respond to the concerns of Ontarians about their personal safety, and we proudly stand behind this law. We heard loud and clear that Ontarians want to be protected from the menace of pit bulls. We have established strict regulations for existing pit bulls, making owners more responsible and helping make Ontario communities safer.

 

Not only did we protect Ontarians from vicious pit bulls attacks, but we also protected them from irresponsible owners of any dangerous dogs. The legislation that we passed also increased fines up to a maximum of $10,000 and allow jail sentences up to six months for owners whose dogs are involved in an attack ($60,000 fines for corporations were also passed).

 

We believe this law will help protect not only Ontarians, but also many Ontario dogs that might otherwise themselves become the victims of pit bull attacks. We have set high standards for responsible dog ownership in the province of Ontario, and we are proud of our record.

 

Thank you again for providing me an opportunity to respond to your concerns. It is my hope that together we can continue to move forward.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

 

Steve Peters, Liberal Candidate

Elgin-Middlesex-London

Provincial Election 2007