Here is a link to the Oprah site.

Oprah "I hear you love dogs? What do you have? What are their names?
(background Allie and others are asking the same thing- they all talk on top
of each other at times)

JT "my babies names are" and he says this in a cutesy voice

Monitor shows the pic of the 2 boxers and the mix..

Oprah says "you have real dogs!"

JT - "In the back is Buckley & Brennan - brother and sister"

Allie - "and you have a Pit Bull"

JT - Yah a Pit Bull/ lab - ( couldn't quite make out this part but what I
heard him say was - "she's my Tina"

Allie "and she's sweet" sort of questioning

Gayle - "I'm sacred of Pit Bulls"

JT - "no no"

Gayle - "I've heard too many stories where they turn - you have no fear what
so ever? I've always been afraid just based on what I've read"

JT - "no"

Gayle - "you have no fear of them?"

JT - "no she is really sweet."

Then they went to another topic.

I know, I know.. why bother mentioning this conversation? Because I am sick to death of the ill informed yapping on about what they hear and read in the news. Taking the source at face value. (Which I might add is the same source that spews how much weight Oprah or Gayle may have gained.)

I have lost all respect for Oprah and her BFF Gayle. This was the sprinkle on the icing on the cake. Oprah's schmoozing around with that barnacle of a human HSUS Wayne was enough to make me ill but this Gayle comment took the cake.

Here are 4 great points/comments from Janet;

The town of Midland recently amended their dog bylaw. They actually didn't change much other than increasing fines; however they were already on the "no fly" list for dog owners. Looks as though they are choosing to remain on the illogical list and maintain their status in the **ban plus club.


Towns and cities actually have the power to choose NOT to enforce the law. They can choose to apply dog bylaws to ALL dog owners regardless of breed (which some Ontario towns have chosen to do). Some cities and towns choose not to enforce this barbaric, hysterical, illogical law. One such city is Ottawa (to learn more click here).

So basically here is a run down of the sections of the Midland dog bylaw that are pertinent to this topic.

TOWN OF MIDLAND

BY-LAW NO. 98-41

A By-law for the Licensing and Requiring the Registration of Dogs and for the Control of Dogs within the boundaries of the Town of Midland

 

18.0 MUZZLING OF DOGS

18.1 The owner of a breed of dog described in Schedule “A” attached hereto and forming part of this by-law, shall ensure that when the dog is on any municipal property, the snout of the dog is secured at all times by the use of a muzzle so as to prevent it from biting a person or animal and that the dog be secured to the owner by a leash.

 

SCHEDULE ‘A’ TO AMENDING BY-LAW 99-64

Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or any dog of mixed breeding which includes any of the aforementioned breeds.

Rottweiler or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed.

Any member of the Mastiff dog family or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed. (Amending By-law 2001-22)

So to break it down, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are legitimate breeds and are banned under the amendment to DOLA by the Fiberals in 2005. There are so few of any of the three breeds in Ontario, I highly doubt there are any in existence in Midland. There are less than 1500 purebred dogs total (all three breeds combined) in Ontario.

I've been through Midland many times. My mom lives in the next town and I don't stop for anything in Midland since I don't spend money in towns that are anti dog!

The Pit Bull Terrier and Pit Bull do not exist. They are slang terms for a shape or type of dog but can be any short haired cross bred dog of any combination possible commonly known as a "mutt". Labs being one of the most common breeds in Canada are likely a common portion of the composition of these short haired mutts.

The "or any dog of mixed breeding which includes any of the aforementioned breeds", cannot be proven since there is no way to determine (scientifically or otherwise) the exact composition of breeds for any mutt.  However the gotcha is Bryant added reverse onus in DOLA so it is up to the owner of a mutt to prove their dog isn't a "pitbull" if it is identified as such. You cannot prove a negative therefore you cannot prove your dog is not a "pitbull".

Also banned in Midland is the Rottweiler or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed. (Therefore Rottweiler's and any other black and tan dog with eyebrows).

And last but not least; Any member of the Mastiff dog family or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed.

Mastiff breeds include:
Old English Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
Cane Corso
Great Dane
Tibetan Mastiff
Bull Mastiff
Dogo Argentino
Dogue de Bordeaux
Tosa Inu
Fila Brasileiro
South African Boerboel
Presa Canario

So what is left? Hairy and small. But then again, I have witnessed some breed identifications that would make your hair curl.
In my estimation, I am better off safe than sorry. I actually know for sure my dog is banned in Midland so I will continue to NOT visit or spend any money there. I will save my money for Elmvale or Penetanguishene. (Ontario local humor check the map).
Take a long hard look at your dog before entering the town limits of Midland Ontario. If you are sitting in denial or think your dog's life is safe in this anti dog town, think again.

Several months ago I posted an article about the Montreal suburb Cote St Luc.  I am very happy to report that Cote St Luc came to their senses and dropped the proposed BSL in their dangerous dog bylaw.

'Breed specific' dropped from proposed CSL 'dangerous' dog bylaw

The conclusion to the article is a little confusing; but I will assume the reference is to a previous train of thought.

My advice to Cote St Luc; keep in mind while writing your new dangerous dog bylaw to keep definitions clear and a case by case assessment. Keep in mind there is no such thing as a 'pitbull' even though the dog park crowd asked for a ban on them. Short haired mutts do not make a dangerous dog nor is any dog that "looks" threatening called a 'pitbull'. MSM has given permission to people not in the know to classify any dog that bites or threatens is a 'pitbull'. Just because it is spouted in the media does not make it fact. Just because some other jurisdictions have banned some breeds of dogs does not mean there is justification or just cause present.

My advice for citizens of Anytown Canada; find out proactively what your existing dog bylaws are. Find out if your town council has anything in the works to amend the current bylaw. Educate your council and community before there is a problem. If you have a decent bylaw in place count your blessings.

Our hearts go out to Jennifer Waite, owner of Hershey. I received an email from Jennifer this morning that Hershey passed last night after a brief illness.

The December 2005 issue of Dogs in Canada ran an article about Hershey.

Ladies and gentlemen, step right up! Witness the spectacle of the savage, snarling, snapping beast.
Jennifer Waite is sick of the media circus. The rhetoric in the morning papers and the pronouncements of publicity-seeking politicians just don’t jibe with her experience of living with a pit bull. Her dog, ‘Hershey,’ couldn’t be further from the stereotype. Says the payroll clerk, “She just has this warm way about her that makes you relax and be calm, and smile. You just want to pet her.”

No surprise that a dog owner is quick to defend her pet. Except that Hershey has the credentials to back up her owner’s claims. You see, Hershey was a St. John Ambulance-certified therapy dog. She was also one of a handful of recipients of a Toronto Humane Society award, last May, honouring community heroes (canine and animal-helping humans).

Hershey's picture was also featured in the article on the Dogs in Canada blog about our "Dollars for Dogs" campaign.

Here is another story about Hershey. 

She was quite a girlie. I met Hershey and she was every bit, as described in the articles. She was a model citizen for dogs targeted for their shape in this province. Many people missed out on the benefits of her Saint John's Ambulance Therapy work; since she was forced into early retirement by the McGuinty Liberals in 2005 (when the ban took effect). 

Hershey will be sadly missed.

Yip, yip, yipee!

I'm having a difficult time containing my excitement. More and more jurisdictions are coming to their senses, albeit court ruling in some instances.

Italy came to their senses. KC Dogblog has a good post about that here.

The Netherlands tossed, UK is on the verge... many towns, cities and counties have already tossed the redneck legislation (stolen reference from caveat) into the trash and many others are on their way.

Miami-Dade is the latest jurisdiction to break out the burning barrel.

**The word euthanized should not be used as a substitution for killing or slaughter. Euthanize is a word used to describe the humane destruction of an animal in pain or suffering. To put out of misery, if you will. Not a word used to describe the senseless slaughter of innocent animals based on the shape or type they are or are similar to.

Could it be that the world is coming to its senses? Could it be that the redneck knuckle draggers are being squashed? By the way, here are couple examples of redneck knuckle draggers: 

The tide is turning. People have begun to see the grandstanding for what it is. Lies, pure lies. The strong majority of people have cut through the bullsh*t.

I came across an interesting article written by a physician named Joe Abraham from Louisianna.

Dr. Abraham points out that something smells fishy in the HSUS camp (my words no offense to fish). I have been wondering that very thought for quite some time now. I have jokingly asked whether the animal liberationist "hidden videos" of many sectors such as research labs, slaughter houses and puppy mills, are shot in some movie set in Hollywood? I don't doubt that substandard conditions are alive and well in any given sector however I do question the hysteria and common occurrence we are being led to believe. I do not believe there is just cause to threaten an entire industry such as farming or dog breeding. It is a knee jerk reaction to legislate sweeping laws based on the word of an animal liberationist group known for "dramatic effect" shall we say. Much research and input must be deliberated when entire industries are threatened. Emotion must not be the driver but rather common sense.

Read Dr. Abraham's article here.

It is worth a read.

---

Another great article I stumbled across on a website called Animal Rights or Human Responsibility.

The article "The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: Animal Rights Activism within the HSUS Cloak of Animal Welfare", discusses the beginnings of HSUS were animal welfare based but have morphed into a consistent animal rights agenda.

The other article that caught my eye was "Held to a Higher Standard than Human?"

Picture it … there’s a knock on your door.  When you answer, you are met by a child protective services official announcing they are here to inspect your home.  You ask why, they won’t tell you.  When asked for a warrant, you are told they don’t need one since you have 3 children. They stroll through your house, tsking over the dishes in the sink  to examine your child’s hands and ears.  With a declaration of  “Just what we thought” all your children are gathered up and seized.  Why? “Neglect, nails are too long and uncleaned ears”

It sounds ridiculous doesn’t it?  Yet pet owners breeders are being subjected to this treatment in increasing numbers as a direct consequence of two factors: ambiguous legislation, often touted as “Puppy Mill legislation”  and the purposeful mis-use of powerful words such as ‘abuse’ & ’neglect’.  The combination of these factors can be devastating.

All of the above are great articles. Food for thought...

We have had many emails from panic stricken dog owners who are in the Canadian military asking why they cannot get back into Ontariostan with their dog. Well the answer is that if they are posted out of Ontario for longer than 3 months and take their dog with them, they are S-O-L on bringing thier dog back into the province.

The dog must have been licensed in Ontario on or before August 2005. This applies to all registered American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and "pitbulls" which applies to any dog identified as such by animal control or any other peace officer. I showed a sampling of some of the dogs deemed as banned here in Ontario in another post.

Below are a couple other examples of dogs deemed a "pitbull" since I posted in February. I merely want to give you a true picture of what a "pitbull" looks like in the eyes of many Ontario animal control officers, peace officers and some veterinarians. I actually do not blame those who have been given the ugly job of identifying a cross bred dog (which is impossible to do beyond a doubt). When it is a silly game in a shelter (name that breed) or looking at pictures on the web guessing what breed the dog is; all is fun and games. When an animal control officer, peace officer, vet or shelter worker play this game, it is a game of life or death. If the dog is unlucky enough to have someone identify them as a "pitbull", it is a death sentence. Not so damn fun anymore.

The town of Vauxhall, Alberta recently updated their canine bylaw. The new dog by-law passed unanimously at the first reading. The new law would remove the breed specific language and determine dogs “dangerous” on a case by case basis, and based on the dog’s individual behavior.

Listen up ill informed legislators and torch/pitchfork crowd...

Deputy Mayor Hagen stated in defense of the new by-law;


Word is spreading and those who truly want to amend laws for the better and implement common sense are taking notice.

h/t Bless the Bully's

Well, well, well... Did Toledo finally come to its senses?

Remember Tom Skeldon; one of the Fiberal *star* witnesses for enacting the breed ban here in Ontario? I guess he won't be whoring himself out as a *star* witness anymore?

There was an article in the Toeldo Blade entitled New Dog Warden Needed.

Dog warden Tom Skeldon, the driving force behind Ohio’s BSL, testified before the court in Tellings v. Toledo (2006). Here is a direct illiterate rambling statement from the dog warden himself.

---

---

 

"even if a dog was 50 per cent pit bull, if it did not ‘look like a pit bull,’ the owner would not be charged. On the other hand, if a dog did ‘look like a pit bull,’ it would be classified as a pit bull and the owner would be subject to the ‘vicious dog’ laws.”

---

---

It takes a while sometimes, but being an evil s.o.b. usually comes back around to bite one in the a**!

Have fun on the unemployment lines Skeldon. I hear the lines are quite long. I think there may some jobs shoveling dog poo. You sound like the type that is better suited to self employment anyway..

ht KC Dogblog

It has been a banner week for catching the animal murderers (HSUS) in the act. The waves have been abuzz with a solid case of proof that the real agenda of animal liberation groups such as HSUS, PETA and their tentacles is to eliminate the animals and cash in on the cow (pun intended).

HSUS collects billions of dollars from sheeple who buy, literally into their song and dance about saving the animals. "Saving" is HSUS language for "killing".

I guess donations have been falling off since many sheeple have been figuring out their money (donations) support senseless slaughter, the funding for marketing campaigns and hard core lobbying to enact extermination laws across North America.

Leona Helmsley New York billionaire, who passed away in 2007, left her fortune to the dogs.

There is an article in Business Week yesterday titled; Helmsley fortune goes to more than dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States said it hoped Helmsley's estate still would benefit such causes as combatting dogfighting and puppy mills.

"Her fortune has the potential to do so much good for the animals many consider to be our closest friends and companions," society President Wayne Pacelle said in a statement.

Helmsley's fortune had been estimated at $5 billion to $8 billion after her death. Rubenstein said much of the holdings are real estate entities with changing values in today's economy, and an exact figure wasn't available.

Let me translate the second paragraph for you if you are still illiterate to the language of animal liberation.

Her fortune has the potential to help the marketing campaign aimed at dog fighting (which is illegal already and has been for some time) and puppy mills (which are not clearly defined therefore anyone is a target). Many consider animals to be our closest friends and companions but we animal libbers feel they are better off dead than being confined with humans. Imagine how many lobbyists we could fund to support our extermination laws or "investigative" videos we could film to multiply our billions we have already taken in by pretending we are all about animal welfare.....

The media whores are at it again! Sadly, main stream media gets the negative attention it is so pathetically addicted to by putting the word "pitbull" in the title of as many story headlines as possible.

How is this for a hurtin' title? {Actually cracked me up.}

House of squalor: Police find guns, drugs, pitbull feces in Mount Vernon home.

Link

To be honest, I didn't even read the article. I can't imagine being the forensics detail dude in this case. His job must stink! [chuckle]

It does raise the question though; if you can't scientifically identify a "pitbull" (since it isn't a breed but a slang term) then how does one identify their poo?

I'm pleased to see that our friends in Calgary continue to make terrific progress in the areas of preventing dog bites and educating owners as well as children and utility workers about dog bite prevention.

Here's the story from the Calgary Herald:

Attacks by aggressive dogs are at the lowest level they've been in 25 years despite a steady population growth and the absence of breed-specific legislation brought in to tackle canine issues in other jurisdictions.

Despite the low numbers, Calgary's top bylaw officer plans to delve deeper into the causes of dog attacks to try to bring the incidents even lower.

The population of Calgary has more than doubled since Bill started working on his program.  The ongong statistics are depicted graphically at this link.   The impound and kill stats also illustrate  the remarkable achievement by Calgary Animal Services.

The Ontario Liberals were told of Calgary's success and asked to invite Bill Bruce to present at the Committee Hearings in 2005.  Calgary was brought up throughout the hearings by various witnesses yet the government was reluctant to hear what Bill had to say.

I can only assume that's because they didn't want his remarks to be available through Hansard since one of their arguments in court has been that there is no alternative to their ill-considered approach to dog owner management.

Written presentations do not appear in the record so are therefore not available to the public.  In the second snip, watch David Zimmer (Lib - Willowdale and friend of the WSPA) dance around when asked to invite Mr Bruce to present at Committee.

This was rigged from the start just as Bryant and McGuinty's law is completely rigged against dog owners.

The Chair: Mr. Miller has moved that Mr. Bill Bruce, the director of animal and bylaw services for the city of Calgary, appear before the committee. Is there any discussion on the motion?

Mr. Zimmer: These matters were taken up by the subcommittee, were they not?

The Chair: They were.

Mr. Zimmer: There was a witness list.

The Chair: There was.

Mr. Zimmer: Presumably this was raised then.

The Chair: It was not.

Mr. Kormos: I don't know the background of how this gentleman was brought to Mr. Miller's attention, at least, but the fact is that here's a director of animal and bylaw services for the city of Calgary. Reference has been made already to the city of Winnipeg. I trust that other municipalities that have advocated -- and fairly enough, because they've implemented breed-specific bans -- will be called upon.

I don't know what the position is of this gentleman from Calgary, but it seems to me that if the committee is interested in getting the broadest range of information available to it -- gosh, we've got e-mails from people in other British colonies, Australia, Great Britain. People are well aware -- this has attracted attention internationally. If there's expertise available, why would we possibly shut the door on it? If these people are prepared to assist the committee, let's go; let her rip. Let's have these people in front of us. Quite frankly, whether they're from Calgary or not doesn't offend me. It's of even greater interest because obviously you've got a different provincial jurisdiction. I encourage people to support Mr. Miller's motion.

Mr. Miller: I would just like to support that by asking why we would not try to learn from the jurisdictions that have had the most success, and Calgary has had significant success. They've reduced dog bites by 70%. Here we have the director of animal and bylaw services willing to come before the committee, but he needs a formal invite to be able to come because he doesn't want to be seen to be interfering with the affairs of Ontario. They've had very significant success with an animal control bylaw that's not breed-specific, and I think we can learn from that.

If the end goal is to have the most successful legislation and to improve this legislation, I believe we should be inviting Mr. Bruce to come before this committee. I would ask for the committee's support in inviting Mr. Bruce to come and lend his expertise to the committee.

The Chair: Shall I now put the question?

Mr. Zimmer: This matter of the witness list should have been -- if you wanted to make arrangements to raise this matter, it should have been raised before the subcommittee. This committee has set aside four days for hearings. There is an extensive witness list for each of the four days. Each of the witnesses has been allocated a time frame of approximately 10 minutes. The difficulty now with entertaining last-minute changes to the witness list is, where do we fit them in, and if we say yes to Mr. Miller's request, what should we do with other requests that might come up from any other members on the committee? There has to be some end to the process.

Mr. Kormos: The issue seems to be the reluctance of this municipal official to make a submission to this committee without invitation. Why doesn't the committee invite him to make a written submission? Surely that can't be offensive to anybody. It doesn't occupy any time of the committee, but it --

Mr. Zimmer: I'm going to agree. I think that's a reasonable way to proceed.

Mr. Kormos: In that case, you can interrupt.

Mr. Zimmer: That way, we'll get the relevant evidence before the committee and we'll preserve the integrity of the witness list for the remaining four days.

The Chair: Mr. Kormos has the floor.

Mr. Kormos: But he needs an invitation to make a submission so that he doesn't --

Ms. Monique M. Smith (Nipissing): Written submission.

Mr. Kormos: Well, God bless.

Mr. Zimmer: Yes.

Mr. Kormos: That's what I said already -- so that he doesn't appear to be overriding his jurisdiction.

Mr. Zimmer: We're with you on this one, Mr. Kormos.

Mr. Kormos: You're on track now.

The Chair: Mr. Kormos, are you proposing an amendment to the motion?

Mr. Kormos: Mr. Miller may want to. I don't want to cut his grass.

Mr. Miller: I understand you're going to vote against this if we don't amend it. I'm getting that feeling. Is that correct? The thing is, you have more members on that side than we do on this side.

Mr. Zimmer: My argument here is that we've got a very tight witness list. It's been planned, 10 minutes per witness over four days, and it's unfair now to re-jig the witness list.

Mr. Kormos's proposal to accommodate this witness, or accommodate your wish to have him send in a written submission at our invitation, satisfies your purpose and preserves the integrity of the witness list.

Mr. McMeekin: I'll build on that. I suspect your political acumen is probably correct, Mr. Miller. I think the rationale for argument from this side is where do you draw the line? New Brunswick's looked at it. The provincial government in Australia has looked at breed bans. There are a number of cities. To have one isolated person in particular who has indicated a desire to make a presentation -- I don't normally speak to amendments before they're made, but I think on the surface, because we opened this up, there are at least a dozen people I'd like to see invited. I think the concept of the written brief, as Mr. Kormos has suggested and my colleague Mr. Zimmer has affirmed -- and hopefully you, sir, might look at -- is a good way to go.

Mr. Miller: I would certainly like to reiterate that I believe we can learn from Calgary's animal control bylaw; I would be prepared to modify my motion to invite Mr. Bill Bruce to make a written submission to this committee so that we may learn from the city of Calgary.

The Chair: Mr. Miller has amended his motion to read that Mr. Bill Bruce of the city of Calgary be invited to submit a written brief to the committee. Is there any further discussion? Shall I put the question?

All those in favour? Opposed?

Carried.

I am in tears...

In the few years of fighting this evil battle I have grown a much thicker skin. In my mind that is not a good thing; however one must "toughen" up to be able to function in this business of fighting for the right to own pets. How incredibly sad it has come to this.

There are still many people out there that shake their head when I say "right to own pets". Many have still not popped their head out of the sand long enough to see the real agenda of animal liberation groups.

Yesbiscuit has an excellent post containing John Goodwin's response to the NC dog slaughter.

Lassie Get Help has another excellent post! It is a must read.
It is entitled "Worse Than Vick".

Bad Rap also gives another slant.
The post is called "Numb".

There are links at the bottom of the posts giving other links to information. Please crosspost to every single person you know. HSUS is still being supported, along with all their wicked, evil, twisted step sister organizations that all belong to the animal liberation family. 

Our "staff" reporter wrote an excellent editorial in the Mississauga News!


It is a must read and please leave comments. I'm sure Bob Delaney reads the Missy News.

Excellent work Selma and thanks to the Mississauga News!

Everyone is talking about the 127 puppies and adult "pitbulls" killed in Wilkes County, NC. In reading the blog Yesbiscuit, the slaughter was carried out today under a court order.

Caveat has a post about this atrocity today. Be sure to follow the links from the caveat article to get the background story.

HSUS must be out'ed. Caveat is dead right! There is NO humane in HSUS.

Our recent dollars for dogs campaign is a continuing huge success! We are so fortunate to have raised enough money to continue to the Supreme Court of Canada. A sincere thank you to all who have and continue to  participate.

We hope our supporters will continue to donate when possible. The financial burden is ongoing.

Please click on this link to view a short video. Thanks to the SBTCC for putting together this video of thanks. Great job!

It takes several minutes to download so please be patient. It is worth the wait.

Hundreds of people have died in the horrific Victorian Bush Fires, thousands of people have been left homeless and lost all their possessions. Thousands of pet and domestic animals died or are now in emergency care.

Every cent we collect through the sale of our Yellow leads & collars will go to the Red Cross Bush Fire Victims' Appeal. This is the only time you will be able to get a yellow bit of Black Dog and your opportunity to show your support for those who fight the fires and those who have been left homeless (both human and animal).

To support the Bushfire Relief in Australia click here.

Those kooky old vegephiles at Peta finally decided to let it all hang out.

They appeared in New York today - well, their serfs did - dressed as Ku Klux Klansmen.  I wonder if Grand Beagle Newkirk was present to rally the storm-troopers.

The thing is, the joke's on Peta.  Walking around dressed in what I presume is the new official uniform ties in so nicely with their profiling of 'pit bulls' - not to mention their owners - that it makes this observer wonder why they waited so long to 'come out' and say it loud.

Tell it like it is, girls.


In other news, the 'charity' (ha ha ha! snorfffit! gezeegle! wahoon!) won a prestigious Award:

Lassie, Get Help has the rest of the story.

Congratulations to Ingrid and the crew.  Here's hoping for more like this in future!


It seems that the hypocrisy biz pays well.  The gang is moving to spiffy new headquarters in Washington, DC.  The wascally wabbits at the CCF are on a mission to warn the new neighbours about what to expect once the flakes move in.


Peta - Providing low-hanging fruit since like forever, man.

Crossposted from Caveat

ONCE UPON A TIME…

 

Once upon a time in a land far away, there lived a cruel Lord who decreed that all short haired, muscular dogs be banished from the fiefdom. All the children were heart-broken and cried when their beloved family pets were either sent away or destroyed. They would never know the comfort in a wet, sloppy kiss, gaze into gentle dark eyes, or experience the unconditional love given by these delightful, goofy creatures and the world became a sad, lonely place.

 

Does this sound like a nightmare-ish fairy-tale??  The heartbreaking reality of it is that even when you do wake up, this nightmare isn’t going to go away. All AmStaff, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier and all substantially similar dog owners are living this nightmare every day that the breed ban is in effect.

 

As I was growing up and became an adult, I was proud to be an Ontarian. But when the Liberals allowed this law to be pushed so quickly through parliament and didn’t pay any heed to the many, many knowledgeable people who spoke up against the breed ban; people who represented respectable, well known groups and who knew what they were talking about, I was no longer proud to be an Ontarian. I am now giving serious consideration to moving out of this province when I retire and moving to somewhere where I am free to enjoy my breed of choice without the stigma that comes with having to muzzle my dogs in public and the outright fear that an ACO officer could come and take my dogs away.

 

But, as discouraging as the breed ban is, it is so encouraging that after four long years’ dog owners from all walks of life are joining in the fight to reverse this ludicrous legislation and helping to contribute to the legal challenge! I’ve cried so many tears over the futility of this breed ban, but when the donations started coming in so suddenly my tears were tears of joy and hope.

 

I don’t know what the outcome of the next step in the legal challenge will be, but I do know that thousands of voices will be much louder than a few hundred. The puppy that I bought to be a therapy dog until McGunity Liberals quashed that plan will turn 5 years old this week.

Hopefully, before another year passes, I will be free to  walk my dogs in public without fear.

Cautiously optimistic.  That's how I feel today about how things are going.  Why?  In the past month a few things have happened that might lead one to believe that the "court of public opinion" may not be a lost cause.  The recent support shown for our cause and some positive media coverage of the issue gives me hope.

First, the phenomenal response to the Dollars for Dogs fund raising campaign.  The campaign was so successful it brought tears to the eyes of many DLCC members.  What stood out from that campaign was not just the amount raised and the sheer number of donors, which was absolutely incredible, but also that the donations came from such a broad spectrum of people, owning many different breeds of dogs and even cat fanciers.  At times over the past few years, I have wondered if all dog owners understood that this isn't about one or two or three breeds (or as it happens a fictional breed), but about the right to have any dog.  The Dollars for Dogs campaign showed me that the dog owners and breed fanciers in Canada and all over the world get it:  They understand that DOLA  I have struck out DOLA and changed this wording because Lori is correct: Technically it's the amendment to DOLA that needs to be defeated, not the original Act. the "pit bull" ban needs to be defeated for the sake of all dogs and dog owners.  It's not about the breed.

Second, there is this editorial in the Mississauga News.  Here is the last sentence:

The Province must rectify the situation before other Ontario residents find themselves in the same mess as Truong and Nowakowska, and before other innocent animals are needlessly put to death because of their bloodlines.

It is a great editorial and points out the flaws in DOLA the "pit bull" ban It has not been easy to get news coverage like this. 

Third, there is the article on Michael Vick's dogs in the Toronto Sun. While the article does contain some errors as pointed out in Lori's post, overall  it is a good article.  Here are some excerpts, I'm including quite a few because they are important:

Often, the media gets it wrong,” says Michelle Besmehn, the dog care manager at Best Friends, who acknowledges that part of the Vick project is to restore the reputation of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

“They’ll say a person was mauled by a pit bull, and it’s not a pit bull, it’s a Mastiff or something else,” she said. “It’s frustrating because they get a bad rap, and it’s based on a general misconception.”

This is true.  Dog breeds are regularly misidentified.  They are misidentified by witnesses, which is ALMOST forgivable since they might not be well versed in breed identification, but all too often they are even misidentified by people who should know better but don't, those who work in Animal Control. 

The Bad Newz dogs lived terrible lives, chained in dark, dank basements, electrocuted if they didn’t produce. The ones treated the best earned that treatment because they could fight and win. Some, like Little Red, had their teeth filed down so they could be used as “bait dogs” to spar with the champions without hurting them.

And yet the majority of these dogs have been rehabilitated.  That should be a testament to the fact that the vast majority of dog problems in society can be directly attributed to the owners and the way the dog is raised and kept.

When Vick’s dogs were first seized, the courts received advice from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals and other humane societies, which said the animals should be euthanized because their chances of living normal lives outside a shelter or sanctuary were minimal.

Well, that isn't surprising is it?  It's in keeping with past record, with PETA in 2006 euthanizing 2981 animals and adopting 12.  Best Friends is proving PETA wrong.  Good for them.

“The way I personally present the dogs is, ‘They’re dogs,”’ Garcia said. “It’s not necessarily a specific breed, per se. It would be nice to get some specific definition of what truly is an American Pit Bull Terrier and not just a ‘pit bull.’ If people got away from the ‘pit bull’ thing, it would be a lot easier.”

Exactly, and these dogs are bouncing back now.  They are all being prepared for the Canine Good Citizen test. 

Returning to my original point, the breeds targeted by BSL are being presented in the media in a more positive light than in the past.  Other examples are a similar story on the cover of Sports Illustrated.  Rachel Ray on the cover of Modern Dog with her "pit bull".  Our own Tammy St. Louis being interviewed for Northern Life about the Dollars for Dogs Campaign, with video of Tammy and her dogs.

All of these things have been improvements from what has happened in the past.  They demonstrate that perhaps the tide is turning in terms of the public image of the "pit bull" ban.  We can only hope.  I am cautiously optimistic.

 

On the heels of an article in Sports Illustrated in January is an article in the sports section of the Toronto Sun.

Excerpt:

There are the runners like Curly, who never saw a fence line or dirt trail they couldn’t wear down.

And there are the divas like Georgia, who go on publicity junkets and stay at the Beverly Hilton, wearing rhinestone-studded collars and hot pink tank tops that say “Biscuits are a girl’s best friend.”

They could be your dog, your neighbour’s, even one of those you see in a magazine being doted on by a celebrity owner.

These, though, are Michael Vick’s dogs.

A couple of comments from my personal opinion mill - overall it is a good positive article.

I would however like to debate the fact there is a fighting gene.  Here is the statement as it appears in the article:


This statement is utter BS. There are traits bred into dogs for specific purpose. Terriers as a whole are very tenacious and bulldog breeds very strong and muscular. They are not able to breed in characteristics such as "aggression" which isn't mentioned here but a common misconception. Learned behaviour is not possible to breed in to a dogs genetic makeup any more than any other mammal. As someone I know says, if you could breed in behavioural traits, dogs would be bred to heel!

If this statement was intended to mean that one can't deny the history of the breed; I would have no problem. History should never be denied since it forms where we exist today and where we are headed into the future.

I also have a problem with the broad statement that the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are one in the same. This isn't entirely true. In addition to the UKC registering the APBT, the American Dog Breeders Assn (ADBA) also registers the APBT. There is a difference between the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier similar to the difference between the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Bull Terrier or Boston Terrier or Jack Russel Terrier.. you get what I mean. They are all distinct breeds. One is not better or worse than another, they are just separate breeds; period. To wrap the recognition of a breed within a breed registry such as the AKC or CKC, is not as simple as saying; we want to get away from such and such. Let's change the name and land recognition with a certain registry. It is a far more complicated process and it is unfair and over simplified to blanket that statement. It is misleading to oversimplify and that is a whole other blog post.

I agree with this statement:


What I agree with in this statement is that the assumption is commonly made that "if it attacks it is a 'pitbull'". The term "pitbull" is a catchall phrase. That is exactly what it is since it certainly isn't a breed or anything that can 100% be identified beyond a shadow of a doubt such as the case of a registered dog. A registered dog has a pedigree; therefore it can be identified for what its lineage is. What this statement doesn't tell you is there are far more breeds that are caught in the net.
 
All mastiff types, boxers, visulas, ridgebacks, labs, on and on... refer to the previous article on Wag the Dog and see for yourself the type of dogs being targeted in Mississauga and everywhere else in Ontario. Thousands of dog owners being targeted, owning all breeds, mixes and types.

The purebreds are extremely rare in Canada.

I posted in a previous article the numbers of registrations for last year in Canada with the CKC. (see below) There are less than 50 American Staffordshire Terriers in the whole province of Ontario. There are aprox 1500 purebreds of all 3 banned purebreds combined, in the whole province. These thousands of dog owners that have been targeted, dragged through court, had thier dogs taken and killed or shipped... they aren't purebred banned dogs. They are mixed breed dogs and I guarantee you, they aren't Am Staff crosses!

Sorry for the lengthy rant, but would it really be like me not to throw in my two cents? It was a good article.

Here is the excerpt from the previous post giving the numbers of registries for Canada in case you missed it.

The number of AmStaffs and Staffords registered in Canada  (remember they are only prohibited in Ontario therefore it is legal to breed them in the rest of the country) are:

American Staffordshire Terrier    11
Staffordshire Bull Terrier            64

I do not have the number for the American Pit Bull Terrier since they are not CKC registered. We estimate there are roughly 1500 registered dogs of all three breeds combined in the whole province of Ontario! That includes purebred dogs that were born before Nov 27, 2005 or that lived in the province prior to August 28, 2005.

The Mississauga News had an excellent editorial today!

Here is an excerpt:


Be sure to read the whole editorial. It is one of the best I have ever read!
Thanks Mississauga News! You are one of the few who truly "get it".

Would you not think Mississauga animal control would have learned a lesson in how to waste tax payers money, undue stress, anxiety and shame from the Rambo case? Well apparently not!

You would think MPP Bob Delaney would have filled them in by now that there is NO SUCH THING as a 'pitbull'; since he chaired the committee hearings and listened so intently >tongue placed firmly in cheek<.

Delaney certainly could have given Mississauga AC a direct quote from their lead counsel in court Robert Charney who announced to the amusement of spectators in a packed courtroom on June 28, "There is no such thing as a 'pit bull'!"  He also said that the intent of the ill-conceived law was to "prevent 'pit bull' bites - not dog bites in general" and later added "It is the purebreds we want, we only threw in the substantially similar clause in case someone had a purebred and lied".  Possibly he is throwing the Mississauga animal control under the bus along with Ontario dog owners.

Here is an excerpt from the article in the Mississauga News:

Danny Truong was charged with owning a prohibited animal just before Christmas last year after he took his 10-month-old puppy Bowser to be neutered at a veterinary clinic on Nov. 25.
The 21-year-old said he was shocked three weeks later when City animal services officers came knocking at his home near Square One, charging him under the Dog Owners' Liability Act. Truong said the officers told him that the veterinary clinic had made a complaint.

Danny feels he is being discriminated against based on his dog's appearance. Could this be a pattern of profiling? Is it possible people are being targeted based on race, neighborhood or other demographic based on the shape of dog they own?

Truong said he received Bowser as a gift from his niece and was told by the lady selling the pup that he was a Rottweiler-Boxer mix.

In a quote from Selma Mulvey, dog owners have no way of knowing whether or not they are breaking the law because the legislation is vague.

Vague? Ya think?
That bit of sarcasm was directed firmly at the incompetent Fiberal government, not the messenger..

Let's recap a sampling of some of the types of dogs that are being snagged by Mississauga AC.


Caveat has more info too. Check it out..

I am really starting to look like a Pug with banging my head off my desk and all.

When can we begin to insert logic and science where emotion and hysteria now reside? Why, when faced with a question of what to do; when the heat ramps up over dog 'incidents' (as they refer to them as in the article) the old news, passe, outdated and incorrect method of breed bans are considered an option?
During city council's January public meeting last week, the announcement for an impending new bylaw "concerning dogs" was among a series of notices tabled with measures to control graffiti and air guns.

Ok, now first of all, there is NO SUCH THING as an "aggressive breed" since aggression is a learned behaviour and cannot be bred "in" to a breed.
Will someone plueeeze explain to me why it is different or somehow "ok" if any other so called "friendly" breed/mix rip someone to shreds but I don't see any others than the usual targets added in. What about breed id"s? There is NO SUCH THING as a 'pitbull' folks! It is a short haired mutt that are being targeted and identified as such.

The American Staffordshire Terrier is always added in along with of course the American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Now, population wise, there are roughly 30  purebred American Staffordshire Terriers in the whole province of Ontario. I have one, the last one brought in before the ban took effect in August 2005. I am a member of the American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Canada, of which we have 16 members across Canada.

From the dog and litter registration numbers for the year 2008 the numbers of dogs registered for Canada by breed (these are CKC numbers) were as follows:
The numbers did not vary much over the 2006, 2007 and 2008 yrs.

Labrador Retriever       6495
Golden Retriever          4102
if you add all the "retrievers" together since clumping breeds together seems to be a popular thing to do the number is 11247 just for the year 2008.

Boxer                        1130
German Shepherd Dog  3254
Shetland Sheepdog      1798
if you were to add all the "shepherds" together the number is 3918 and that does not include other registries beyond the CKC. There are many other breeds listed by other registries.


The number for American Staffordshire Terriers (remember this is Canada, they are only prohibited in Ontario therefore it is legal to breed them in the rest of Canada)
American Staffordshire Terrier    11
Staffordshire Bull Terrier            64
I do not have the number for the American Pit Bull Terrier since they are not CKC registered. We estimate there are roughly 1500 registered dogs with all three breeds combined in the whole province of Ontario! That is not recent, but dogs that are purebred that are alive born before Nov 29, 2005 that are registered purebreds as the named 3 recognized breeds.

It is not rare at all to see short haired, whippy tailed, muscular, blocky headed dogs on the streets of anywhere Canada. I see them all the time. Nearly every time I go out in my town where I live I am guaranteed to see at least one walking along happily beside its owner. I will also guarantee you, I am the only person in the whole town where I live and surrounding area that owns an American Staffordshire Terrier. The closest person geographically to me that owns one, is over an hour drive away. I know this because I know nearly all the people in Ontario that own a purebred AST.

So where do you think all these "mutts" with short haired, whippy tailed, muscular, blocky headed dogs on the streets of anywhere Canada come from? If you think they originate from any of the 3 named breeds included in the ban in Ontario, you are out to lunch! I guarantee you, the other people who own the purebred AST's are like me, in that they do not whore their dogs out to mate with other breeds or mixes of dogs resulting in crosses of American Staffordshire Terriers.
If you cruise the shelter sites and see the breed id's on the available dogs, you will spot many American Staffordshire Terrier crosses. The dogs are 100% absolutely MISIDENTIFIED! Now I suck at math, but do the math people.

Would it not make sense that Boxers and Labs, for instance, are quite popular dogs. Have you ever seen a Boxer/Lab mix? You likely do not know. If you have, you likely won't know because unless you were present for the breeding and in a controlled experiment where the bitch was kept isolated for the remainder of her estrus cycle and no other gentlemen callers came knockin' you still cannot prove the lineage. With that in mind, both parents would need to be registered with a registry such as the CKC or you could not prove the breed of the parents either. Looks don't cut it when your dogs life is on the line. All is fun and games when you are playing guess the breed at the shelter.

Pause... put thinking cap on.. pull it tight down around your ears.

Why are we banning American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers? Why would one contemplate banning anything really? Is it not a better strategy to educate people and enforce existing laws? There are already licensing and animal control laws in place, that include leash laws.

Let me take a wild guess.. because it is the trendy think to do! Because Ontario did it? Because it appears to "look proactive with the ignorant public"?

An excerpt from the mayor:
In an interview, mayor Anthony Housefather said Côte St. Luc will be referring to certain specific breeds in its bylaw.

"We will be targeting breeds," he said, "because we believe that there have been sufficient incidents in communities surrounding us that we've read about to warrant a concern.

Whoa! Knowing what we now know now with how many of the purebreds exist in Canada... where is the proof? Is it possible that 4 (yes 4) of the rarest breeds in Canada are responsible for "sufficient" incidents in Cote St. Luc?
The number 4 comes from Bull Terriers also being suggested to their list.

excerpt:
The group's definition of a Pit Bull included Pit Bulls, Terriers, Staffordshires, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or "a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to any of the aforementioned dogs."

To give you a bit of history, Michael Bryant (former AG of Ontario who so proudly spouts his responsibility for banning "pitbulls" in Ontario) was overheard laughing and spouting he didn't include Bull Terriers cause Don Cherry owns one.
Newsflash, Don owns a purebred American Stafforshire Terrier and has for years. He at one time owned Bull Terriers but switched long before the ban in Ontario was a twinkle in Michael Bryant and Dalton McGuinty's eye.

Ok, back to the numbers..
Bull Terrier registration 2008      155
Still quite rare... my thinking cap is getting really tight now. How about yours?

Quote from Mayor Housefeather:
"There are municipalities across North America that have pro-actively adopted this bylaw and we feel that there are certain breeds that really need to be regulated. And we also noted that it would be unfair to simply ban those breeds."

If I may respectfully correct you,  targeting breeds, dogs or dog owners period is UNFAIR. Not only is it unfair it is discrimination! How about dealing with the more developed brain (so we think); dog owners? Wow, what an epiphany. Again, Calgary gives a model that has been in place for 2 decades and has high compliance of licensing and low rate of  "incidence".

"Some people already have dogs of that breed or people may really desire to own one," he added. "But we don't feel it's unfair on public property to say that those types of dogs need to be muzzled. And the question is what breeds those will be and council will determine that."

Well, either you have rocket scientists for councilors, or you are dead wrong. Nobody, not a purebred dog judge, animal control officer, scientist or anyone for that matter can identify a cross bred dog period. The purebreds are so rare, you may not even have one in within your city limits! Who are you targeting and what breed of dog again? The picture seems to be getting a little clearer now..

Last summer, a group of dog owners who are regular users of the City of Côte St. Luc's dog run asked council to take measures that would ban Pit Bulls from the run. Raising the issue during a meeting of council in July, Barry Klar said he was speaking on behalf of a delegation of dog owners who frequented the Mackle Road dog run.

"We the undersigned are in favour of creating a ban in which Pit Bulls will be prohibited from frequenting the dog park located on Mackle Road in Côte St. Luc," he said, reading the preamble from a petition gathered by the dog owners.

The group's definition of a Pit Bull included Pit Bulls, Terriers, Staffordshires, Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or "a dog that has an appearance and physical characteristics that are substantially similar to any of the aforementioned dogs."

Klar said a pit bull ban was necessary at the Côte St. Luc dog run because "we have many small dogs" and "many small children who frequent the dog run and it's a concern for all of us and we're very fearful of a tragedy."

Wait, wait wait.... I think someone has finally hit the nail on its ugly head! FEAR is at the root of this! Oh my dogness, I think I have had an epiphany. Fear is something that has been nurtured for many years, in fact since the beginnings of man. It is a survival instinct hyper developed in some humans. Fear of dog, fear of big dogs, fear of black dogs, fear of young thugs, fear of people who look different, fear of falling, fear of succeeding, fear of dying, fear of terrorists, fear of God, jeepers.. name one thing not feared, of course exaserbated by the pro-fear mongering main stream media ahhhhhhhhh my head is exploding.

>Sigh<, I am sorry for your fear, but for dogs sake can we please try to follow some logical examples which are plainly laid out for you. The road to success is paved with gold. Jurisdictions only need to make a commitment to do the right thing. Implement a plan that works and targets those owners who are irresponsible. It is unnecessary and unfair to target people who are guilty by association. Hmmm sound familiar (Homeland Security)? Dogs are living, breathing, thinking, feeling animals. They are more alike as dogs than they are different by breed. They cannot be compared to some benign object or be lumped together by breed or lack thereof any more than people can be lumped together by race or compared to loose cannons. (my benign object of choice)

The last line of the article is:
Since 1990, the City of Winnipeg, Man. has had a by-law banning Pit Bulls.

Oy, talk about failure. You may as well invest all your money with Merril Lynch or Nortel.

The Globe and Mail, or Fiberal rag as I like to refer to it as, has a repulsive article in yesterday's paper.

Here is an excerpt which activated my gag reflex:
Lean and muscular, Bryant is light on his feet in the ring, where he's spent hundreds of hours since he took up boxing more than 30 years ago. But he's also fierce-he squints his eyes and grits his jaw when he takes a punch, a far cry from the genial and charming demeanour that has made him such a popular cabinet minister. (He was appointed attorney general in 2003 and became famous for banning pit bulls.)

Followed by retching...

Bryant took up boxing at the age of 10, after his small size (he's under 5 foot 8) precluded most team sports. "In boxing, they match you by weight, so I was sparring with the ittiest-bittiest boxers around," he says. Still, he considers his mother's willingness to let him step into the ring a great sacrifice on her part. "It's hardly a parent's dream for their child to go off and get hit," says Bryant, who grew up near Victoria.

The above statement certainly explains a lot.. I was positive he has small man's syndrome but the proof is in the pudding.. or boxer shorts..

Now here is the excerpt that threw me into Exorcist type, head spinning revoltion.

FIGHTIN' WORDS

- Favourite boxer Muhammad Ali

- Favourite move "Not getting hit"

- Best bout ever Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier in the famous 1975 "Thrilla in Manila" -Ali was declared the winner after 14 rounds

- Worst hit you ever took "Trevor Tobias, right cross, first round, 1982-the rest is fuzzy"

- Best boxing movie Rocky (1976)

- Toughest opponent "Pit bulls, so I banned them"

If you can stomach reading the rest, be my guest.. here is the link.

I stumbled across a new virtual pet called Foo Pets. Go check it out. I set up a cute little Rottweiler girl pup and named her Peppa. You have to feed, play with, water and take care of your virtual pet or it will be sent to the shelter to be looked after.

I looked around for some information about what it costs to own a dog per year. I know what it costs me since I keep track. The first year I had my youngest dog it cost me 15,000.00 for all three of my mid sized dogs (70 - 75 lbs). Now I had some expenses incurred that are part and parcel in having a pup. My other two dogs were senior dogs therefore there were some extra vet bills tacked on, but overall it isn't really that out of line.

According to one source I found:

Product/Service	Cost 1st Year			Yearly Cost
	Low Cost	My Cost	High Cost	Low Cost	My Cost	High Cost
Purchase Price	0	50	1000	0	0	0
Food	125	300	500	125	300	500
Vaccines	20	75	150	10	60	100
Vet Bills	40	75	400	40	125	400
Spay/Neuter	35	120	200	0	0	0
Bed	25	70	150	0	7	15
Treats	20	20	100	0	20	75
Chew Bones	20	90	150	0	20	50
Bowls	5	8	25	0	1	3
Collars	8	5	20	0	1	2
Leash	5	7	20	0	1	2
Training	15	40	450	0	10	100
Fence	0	750	1500	0	0	75
Vitamins	15	20	75	2	15	8
Flea Control	20	20	200	20	20	200
Heartworm	50	52	100	50	52	100
Shampoo	6	6	25	6	6	25
Grooming	0	0	400	0	0	400
Grooming Tools	8	8	250	1	0	25
Dental Care	0	0	40	0	0	40
Stain Cleaner	8	30	75	5	5	75
Waste Disposal	0	0	50	0	0	5
Training Aids	25	25	300	3	3	30
Deworming	6	6	30	6	6	30
Boarding	15	150	200	15	150	200
Crate	40	50	150	4	5	15
Car Restraint	0	0	100	0	0	10
Totals	$511.00	$1977.00	$6600.00	$287.00	$807.00	$2485.00
Total over the life of a 14 year old dog				Low Cost	My Cost	High Cost
				$4,242.00	$12,468.00	$38,905.00

The costs estimated by the author are based on a 50 pound dog living in the midwest US.

Maybe the thoughts of a "virtual" pet are more reasonable for some. Think about the downturn in the economy, all you need for your virtual pet is the cost of your internet. Hell no! What was I thinking.. I wouldn't give up my little snuggle bug for anything. I would eat KD as a steady diet to give my dog what he needs. It is still sort of fun to have a virtual pet too.. I'll see how long I can keep Peppa alive.

Check it out, just for fun...

Sports Illustrated writer Jim Gorant just signed a BOOK DEAL to write a book about the Vick dogs, entitled "The Lost Dogs."

There is a post over at Bad Rap today. Check it out...

There is a great post over at Caveat this morning which gives you an update on our fundraising.

Excerpt:

I await up-to-the-minute numbers from the Banned Aid treasurer who is working hard to keep track.  Our small cohort of people (including the sole webmaster) is struggling to keep up with announcements.  In other words, we haven't got everybody on the website yet but you can click the 'Who's Helping' box under the Bone-O-Meter, which I updated today with a ballpark amount, to find out.

How do you spell relief?  S-U-P-P-O-R-T.

We got it.   Big-time.

Somehow, the stars aligned for a lot of us across the continent within the past couple of months.  It's as if everybody woke up from a spell at the same time and said WTF?  We gotta save the dogs!

Read the rest here...

The DLCC wants to say THANK YOU to the Canadian Kennel Club, as they will be sending Clayton Ruby a cheque for $8,000!!!!!!

Those folks deserve a HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE, especially the Board of  Directors, who gave it a UNANIMOUS 'green light'!!!

It looks as though we'll get our Supreme Court filing submitted on time - but we couldn't have without all of you. Now the wait will be to see if the SC of Canada will read the case; only time will tell so cross your fingers, rub your lucky rabbits' foot, light your candles...do whatever you have to do, but keep those positive thoughts coming!!!! For those who have donated to, and supported this legal challenge, our expressions of gratitude will never be enough. The outpouring of confidence from the purebred community has never been stronger, or more affirming - I don't know where to start, but we hope you all know what an enormous difference you ALL have made!!

Now it's on to the courthouse!!!

Yours in dogs,

Dawne Deeley
TsarShadow Carelians
CKC Perm Reg'd Bear Dogs
Founder/Board member - Dog Legislation Council of Canada
www.carelianbeardogs.com

 

 

Recently, a London woman kindly took in a dog down on its luck. The dog in the picture above (Faith), along with another dog, belonged to neighbors. The dogs were disposable items and left behind when they moved away. The woman, I’ll call her Jane which is not her real name, along with her 13 year old son willingly gave Faith a permanent home.

 

Here is an excerpt from her letter:

 

Faith has had her vaccinations, spayed and chipped. When I got her she was starving for attention and pretty thin, she had bonded instantly with my son who is thirteen. I loved her right from the beginning, she is an awesome dog.

 

I have been laid off since Oct. so in the morning I will be watching the news and she curls right up and sleeps for about two hours. At around 12pm she will wait by the door for my son coming home for lunch and also around 3:30 when he comes homes from school.

 

London animal control got a tip from someone saying there was a “pitbull” at a certain address. When AC showed up, they deemed her a “pitbull” and said Jane had 14 days to get Faith out of province or Faith would be killed. Unfortunately the previous owners had her micro chipped, and chip identified her as a “pitbull” and listed her age at approx 1 1/2 yrs old.

 

With choices running low, Jane contacted ANML RESQ. The rescue has safely moved Faith out of the province where she has a chance to find a loving forever home and second chance at life.

 

Here is another excerpt from Jane’s letter:

 

All I ask and wish for is that someone protects her and loves her.  She did not deserve to be taken away from a home with people who could find no fault with her.  Faith is so deserving of a good wholesome family that will keep her and cherish her forever. 

 

It is extremely difficult for me to let go however it was this option or she was to be destroyed by those that are enforcing a law with no merit.  Faith did nothing wrong other than being born a ‘type’ of dog.  This law has destroyed many lives I am certain, as my son and I are grieving this loss.  I am uncertain if we will ever completely heal.

 

Another dog has been ripped from its loving owner for no reason other than how it looks. Thanks McGuinty Liberals for bringing heartbreak to thousands of Ontario dog owners for no reason other than political optics.

 

Here is an excerpt from a volunteer at Gerdy’s Rescue and Adoptions, who are the receiving rescue for Faith:

 

 This has been an emotional roller coaster for all involved I am certain.  Even though I have been actively moving animals in and out of both Quebec and Ontario - I never was touched by this on a personal level.  I have a strong feeling that no one really does understand the magnitude of this ban until there is a loved one or acquaintance that has been affected.
 
I am a personal friend of Faith’s owner. London Animal Control (London Animal Care Centre) arrived at her home.  Faith was not involved in an incident such as free at large, an attack or excessive barking.  Faith was outside on the balcony and someone said she was using this as her bathroom.  Animal control investigated and found no evidence - therefore unfounded.  When he was at the door Faith came to him and was licking his hand and was being her friendly self. That's when he said Faith was a pit bull. The owner said “no she is boxer mix”.  He looked at her teeth and said she was only approx. 1 year old and Faith was to leave the province unless there was proof Faith was 3.5 years of age.
 
I read the checklist from London Animal Care Centre; which clearly indicates the 'proof dog is not a pit bull' and 'proof dog is a 'restricted' pit bull.  In reading this “checklist” you can clearly see that it is impossible to keep any short haired mutt within London if there is no documents almost from birth dated 2005.  
 
On a side note from the personal friend/rescue worker: The owner who rescued Faith has recently suffered tremendous tragic personal loss.  She only wanted to hold onto what is left and Faith played a huge part. She suffers silently.  She is a strong woman however this is one blow that she could have done without. This is not only about a dog; but it is also about a human being. Hopefully something good can come out of this.  Hopefully there is hope.  I have 'Faith'.
  
I would like to remind dog owners to please not register your dog with your vet or license her as a “pitbull”, “pitbull terrier” "stafford cross" or any similar term. There is no such breed and you are only giving ammunition to those choosing to enforce this law (which there is no obligation to enforce).

Remember:

 

Do not let Animal Control officers enter your home or take your dog. Demand to see a warrant.

Know your rights and contact a lawyer if you are in need of legal assistance.

Do not volunteer information. This may be used against you!

For more information about what to do if Animal Control comes to your door click here.
 

 

Before I get into the meat and potatoes of this offer, I would personally like to say that I have one of these collar racks that was given to me as a gift by the person who makes them. All items handcrafted by Dirk are exquisite quality. I highly recommend treating yourself to a wood crafted item by Dirk.

I sell shadow leash & collar racks, $19.95 each, now reduced to $15.00 +
shipping. Or pick up for free. <G>

I will donate the entire amount to the "fund".

I have on hand two Rotties, two Labs, one JRT and one APBT on hand.

I can make more, but at regular price, will donate that as well.

I would also need a profile shot of your dog if a mix.

If you're dreaming of spring, I have two Muskoka chairs ready at $99
each, will donate half of that.

Custom made you can order any outdoor wood product (white cedar) such as
a wishing well, bench, planter, whatever you can think of.

Price = Time and material. Donation half of that. Till April 1st.

To view pictures of some of Dirk's talents, click here.

To place an order, please contact Dirk by email

skipper25 @ bmts.com (no spaces)

h/t Caveat

The Saluki Club of Canada have donated 1000.00 to the legal challenge and issued a challenge to other clubs to match or exceed the amount.

Here is the link and details at Caveat.

Huge warm thanks to the Saluki Club of Canada! Plus the individual members in the Saluki Club who went above and beyond. Much appreciated...

I will grant 25% off my usual fees for any real estate transaction or will provided that the client mentions that the DLCC or Banned Aid Coalition when they call me.

I have two offices, one in Markham and one in the Beaches in Toronto. It is best to call me at my Markham office on weekdays. I can handle real estate transactions anywhere in Ontario with electronic registration, but clients will have to come to one of my offices to sign documents.

I will donate 25% of any commission earned if it is referred to me by someone who mentions Bill 132. This includes someone far away needing a Realtor. Just email or call me and I will find one in your area who specializes in what you are looking for. 25% of my referral fee for that transaction will also go to the DLCC in their fight against Bill 132.

I basically work the GTA area and 905 and parts of 705.

You can reach me at Royal LePage Your Community (the #1 Canadian RLP Brokerage) at 1-866-880-6572

Marni Smith
contact info

Thank you Marni! on behalf of Banned Aid Coalition, of which you have been a long term devoted DLCC member.

Hat tip to Colleen Wilkinson Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club for thinking of this...

Excerpt:

I asked the cat owners! Everyone said I was nuts! But guess what! We have purry friends! Hurray!

Thanks to Karen and her Tonkinese!
 
As a cat person, I am mailing a donation c/o Clayton Ruby tonight . Good for us that you have Clayton!

Karen Clarke

Tonkinese

PS I have dogs too & my rescue may have Bull Terrier in her background
-- a very sweet girl

--
Coleen Wilkinson

From: Starr White
Subject: Boston Pizza Donation

Received: Sunday, January 18, 2009,

The donation from our Boston Pizza Restaurant in Peterborough North is being sent to Mr. Ruby's office. The total from the restaurant is $1,107.90 plus $25 that was collected in the jar.

Total $1132.90


Starr White
Windstorm Salukis
www.angelstonefarms .com/dogs

On behalf of Banned Aid Coalition, thank you Starr! You have been a guiding light in this fundraising effort. Huge hugs of thanks...

A message from the Canadian Kennel Club:

BANNED AID BATTLES IN 11TH HOUR RALLY!

 

Having raised and paid a total of $650,000, only to loose the last appeal, the Banned Aid Coalition (Advocates for the Underdog, Golden Horseshoe APBTC, American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Canada, Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Canada and the Dog Legislation Council of Canada) have not quit and gone home! They will, through legal council Clayton Ruby, make one more attempt to overturn Ontario's Bill 132 which banned 3 purebreds and untold mixes fitting the physical definition of a "pit bull" in the province.

 

This has now truly become a valiant effort on the part of those individuals involved to change the status of this Provincial breed ban. If unsuccessful in their efforts, their failure will not be because of lack of effort and a failure would clear the way for unchallenged legislation to be introduced elsewhere in the country.

 

In less than 9 days, by January 23, 2009, an outstanding $67,000 must be paid (or guaranteed) before Banned Aid can proceed with an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada which is estimated to cost yet another $70,000.

 

"After raising and paying $650,000," said Cathy Prothro treasurer for the Banned Aid Coalition "It would be a travesty for our dogs to have come so far and have to stop now for the sake of $67,000 that we just don't have in hand at the moment. This isn't much time and we need help."

 

"So far, the majority of funds raised have come from individual donors that are too many to list," said Prothro "but it would be appropriate to thank the CKC clubs and related organizations who have come forward!"

 

The following have come forward with financial support contributing a significant percent of the total $650,000 raised and paid so far. For those who have been holding back...consider a contribution before the January 23 filing date.

 

Your donations are critical today and can be sent RIGHT NOW using:

 

The Paypal donate button on www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org  

 

OR by forwarding to

 

DLCC/BAC,

c/o Cathy Prothro,

351 Pleasant St.  

Dartmouth, NS,

B2Y 3S4,

 

OR directly to Clayton Ruby (using the words “In trust for Banned-Aid" in the subject line of your cheque)

11 Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto ON, M5R 1B2.

 

THE BANNED AID COALITION WOULD LIKE TO PUBLICLY ACKNOWLEDGE, COMMEND AND THANK THE FOLLOWING CKC CLUBS WHO HAVE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED THIS COURT CHALLENGE. PLEASE IF YOU CAN...JOIN THEIR RANKS AND SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION...

 

Barrie Kennel Club, Sydenham VDTC, Halifax Kennel Club, Dartmouth Kennel Club, Border Terrier Club of Ontario, Forbidden Plateau Obedience and Tracking Club, Valley Kennel Club, Canadian  Manchester Terrier Club, NFLD Dog Club, Red Deer & District Kennel  Club, Ft. St. John and District Kennel Club, CRDFS, New Brunswick Kennel Club, Afghan Hound Club of Canada, Chihuahua Club of Canada, Temiskaming Kennel Club, Evelyn Kenny Kennel Club, Association of Great Dane Fanciers, St. Catherine's and District Kennel Club, Nova Scotia German Shepherd Dog Club, Border Terrier Club of Canada, Pug Club of Canada, Great Dane Club of Canada, A.H.C. of Canada, Sudbury and District Kennel Club, Boxer Club of Canada, Northern Ontario Boxer Club, Saluki Club of Canada, Canadian Mastiff Club, Belleville and District Kennel Club, Mount Royal Toy Dog Club, Scottish Terrier Club of Canada, Eastern Canada Dachshund Club, Atlantic Terrier Association, Oshawa Obedience Association, Great Pyrenees Club of Southern Ontario, Fort Saskatchewan and Area Canine Association, Victoria City Kennel Club, Hub City Kennel and Obedience Club, Miniature Dachshund Club of British Columbia, Brantford and District Kennel Club, German Shepherd Dog Club of London, North Saanich Dog Obedience Training Club, Canadian Manchester Terrier Club, Collie Club of Canada, Thunder Bay Kennel, Club, GEODIC, Collie Club of BC, Bouvier Club of Canada, Schipperke Club of Canada, Oakville and District Kennel Club, The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Canada, The Rottweiler Club of Canada, The Bull Terrier Club of Canada, C.O.R. Newfoundland Club of Canada, Nickel District Kennel Club, Temiskaming Kennel Club, Lower Mainland Kennel Club, Woodstock Kennel Club, Pine Ridge Kennel Club, Canadian Dog Judges Association, Canadian Dog Obedience Judges Association, Aurora and District Kennel Club, Papillon Canada Pacific Kennel Club, The Maple Leaf Silky Terrier Club, Canadian Briard Club, Australian Shepherd Club of Ontario, Nipissing Kennel Club, CAANS, Woodstock and District Canine Association, Grande Prairie Regional Kennel Club, Association Of Rhodesian Ridgeback Fanciers of Western Ontario, The Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of Eastern Canada, Erie Shores Kennel Club, Guelph Kennel Club, Kitchener Waterloo Kennel Club, Thunder Bay Kennel Club, Alaskan Malamute Club of Canada, Alberta Boxer Club, Bull Terrier Club of Alberta, Champlain Dog Club, Chinese Shar-Pei Club of Canada, Chow Chow Fanciers of Canada, Algoma Dog Fanciers, Bernese Mountain Dog Club of Canada, Bull Terrier Fanciers, Canadian Cardigan Corgi Club, DPCC, Ottawa Kennel Club, Rideau Terrier Club, Sault Ste. Marie Kennel Club, SBTCC, The North East Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club, The Weimaraner Association, Pomeranian Club of Canada, Vancouver Island  Dog Judges Study Group and The Canadian Kennel Club.

 

"PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT SOME CONTRIBUTIONS FORWARDED

DIRECTLY TO CLAYTON RUBY, SBTTC, OR DLCC MAY HAVE BEEN INADVERTENTLY OMITTED IN THIS LIST SO PLEASE ACCEPT OUR APOLOGIES SHOULD THIS HAVE OCCURRED"

 

 

The Canadian Kennel Club | 200 Ronson Avenue | Suite 400 | Etobicoke | Ontario | M9W 5Z9 | Canada

 

 

We have been saying for a while now, with this climate what we need is a feel good, positive movie about dogs.

I personally haven't seen this movie yet, but I may go tonight.. It looks like a fun movie.

In an article, Rescued Pit Bulls Make the Big Screen, film producer Ewan Leslie insisted that the movie Hotel For Dogs include pit bulls. Leslie shares his life with two rescued pit bulls Mack and Luka.

Check it out..