OUELLETTE MAINTAINS GOVERNMENT IGNORING EXPERTS WHO SAY PUNISH VICIOUS DOGS, NOT BREEDS

QUEEN’S PARK – Jerry Ouellette, MPP for Oshawa, called upon Attorney General Michael Bryant and his Liberal government to listen to the experts in regard to the proposed pit bull ban.

“Animal welfare professionals, including veterinarians, breeders, the Ontario SPCA, the Humane Society, and the Canadian Kennel Club have been telling us that Bryant’s bill won’t work, and that breed-specific bans fail to address the real problem of irresponsible breeders and owners,” Ouellette says. “Maybe that’s why the Minister refused to meet with these experts, instead he focused only on supporters of his view”, he adds.

Similar experience in other countries, as well as other jurisdictions in North America, has shown that this type of breed specific legislation has not succeeded in protecting the public from aggressive dogs.

The Official Opposition has listened to the experts and Mr. Ouellette’s colleague, Julia Munro, MPP York North has introduced a private members bill that punishes “vicious dogs” and irresponsible dog owners based on the dog’s actions, not breed. This is a workable alternative to the Liberal Government’s irresponsible breed-specific legislation.

“When will the Liberals admit they are playing politics with this issue and ignoring public safety,” says Mr. Ouellette. “What Ontarians need is responsible legislation that targets negligent breeders and owners in order to really protect the public from dangerous dogs of all breeds. The problem is irresponsible owners will move to another breed of dog once pit bulls are banned.”

The Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly held its first public hearing on Bill 132, the Pit Bull ban, yesterday and will continue in Toronto February 3rd, Barrie on January 27th, and Brantford on February 2nd.