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QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ABOUT ONTARIO'S BILL 132:

Please feel free to e-mail us (chathamkentospca@yahoo.ca) with questions you have about Ontario's new Breed Specific Law. We will find you information and answer any questions you have.

Here are a number of helpful links that may answer your questions.

http://www.ospca.on.ca/Bill132/index.htm

Information on The Dog Owners' Liability Act

http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/dola-pubsfty/dola-pubsfty.asp

Dog Owners’ Liability Act (Complete)

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Source/Regs/English/2005/R05157_e.htm

What is a Pit Bull?

http://www.canismajor.com/dog/amerpit.html

Dog Bite Resources

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/dog_care/stay_dog_bite_free/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions:

Now that the amendments are law, do I have to send my pit bull out of Ontario or have it euthanized?

No. As it states on the Attorney General website: Owners of pit bulls may keep their pit bulls, provided they keep them in compliance with the requirements of the new legislation and any regulations made under it. The new legislation will take effect on August 29, 2005.
(http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/pubs/dola-pubsfty/dola-pubsfty.asp#TOC_15)

As with any dog, you must comply with your local Municipal Animal Control Bylaw. Please refer to your specific bylaw for all regulations but things that may be included in that bylaw are:
1- Requiring that a licence be purchased annually
2- Not allowing dog to run at large
3- Compliance with dog feces regulations (“Poop and Scoop” rules).

What kind of muzzle should I have for my dog?

This is an important question as there are a number of different muzzles on the market. It is important to choose the right muzzle for the job. The basket-style is the preferred option as it allows panting, drinking and eating. These are available from most pet stores, but they may require special order so please contact your local retailer.The black nylon-type muzzles are adequate for vet visits or short-term usage (lasting only a matter of a few minutes). They do not allow for panting, eating or drinking. They should not be used while the dog is being exercised.

How to muzzle train your dog (http://www.ospca.on.ca/newshound.html#FEATURE)

My next door neighbour has a pitbull. What should I do?

Thank you for asking. Your neighbour is allowed to keep their pitbull provided that they are complying with the requirements of the law including registering their dog, spaying/neutering and muzzling their dog in public. The do-g is allowed to be without their muzzle provided they are behind a fence or contained in the house.

Some tips for all dog owners to promote responsible dog ownership:

All dog owners should be responsible and take the proper precautions concerning their companion animals.

Keep your dog controlled in all situations. (On the leash and at home.)
Spay/neuter your dog.
Do not leave your dog in the yard unattended to bark, harrass passers-by or to find a way out of their yard.
Clean up after your dog. Your neighbours will really appreciate it.
Take at least one if not two obedience classes. Ask your local vet or shelter about good places to take your dog.
Consider taking the "Canine Good Neighbour" (http://www.ckc.ca/Default.aspx?tabid=45) test through the CKC. Your dog doesn't need to be purebred, and it lets everyone know that your dog is a well-behaved member of society.
Make sure your dog knows how to behave around children. (No jumping, chasing, mouthing, etc.)