Thursday, May 18, 2006

Your Say: Pit Bull Ban

Your say: Pit bull ban
Readers square off on the controversial law
By Toronto Sun Online

The Ontario pit bull law is currently facing a constitutional challenge in a Toronto court, drawing heated words and emotions on both sides of the issue.

So we asked torontosun.com readers: Do you support the existing pit bull ban?

Here's what you had to say.

"I believe that the government should not be able to ban specific breeds of any animal. I believe that there should be legislation regarding the care of animals and persons who do not meet the requirements, should be penalized and not able to own pets in the future. It is owners, not pets, who are the problem!" - Victoria Murray, Kitchener, May 15

"I'm a dog lover. There is no acceptable reason for having a animal of this nature in society. Do we let people walk their tigers or lions in public?" - Mark Bunker, Chatham, May 15

"I absolutely do not agree with a ban on any breed of dog. History has shown breed bans to be ineffective. Our government needs to rethink this idea and give us sound dangerous dog legislation that actually will improve public safety." - Coleen Wilkinson, Sault Ste. Marie, May 15
"Is the pit bull the only breed ever known to bite a person? A few badly raised pit bulls shouldn't decide for the thousands of good pit bulls. Take the muzzles off and let them have their freedom!" - Darrell Loder, St.Catharines, May 15

"Too many people have been seriously injured by these dangerous animals. I fear that if this law is rescinded, more people will be maimed (or worse) and little will be in place to protect the rights of the victims." - Sandra Scott, Trenton, May 15

"My family has proudly owned pit bulls for the last 20 years. To my family, they are without a doubt the most intelligent and loving dogs you could ever want. ... We had even rescued one from a illegal pit bull fighting ring. This dog knew nothing but violence his whole sad life. But with lots of love from our family he turned out amazing. This same dog lost his life in a house fire saving my nephew." - Pam Cassibo, Brampton, May 15

"You shouldn't pick on one dog. The owners are responsible, yes, but every dog can be vicious. If the owner brings it up in a loving family, it will never bite someone. My husband owes a American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed of pitbull, and let me tell you something: That dog would rather lick your face off. Friendly, loving home — friendly, loving dog." - Nancy Howell, Mississauga, May 15

"How about requiring all dogs to be leashed and muzzled when out in public instead of focusing on a specific breed? The fact is dogs can bite — and do bite. Even friendly dogs. Too many dog owners let their dogs run loose and it's not fair to the public. I live across from a park, and can't count the number of people who ignore the "dogs must be leashed" sign. Dog owners need to realize that not everyone has a warm and fuzzy idea of dogs, and it's best to keep them by your side when out in public." - Bev Zee, Toronto, May 15

"Those dogs are a danger and should be banned; many I've known are very unpredictable." - Jacques Robin, Woodstock, May 15

"I do not agree with the pit bull ban. Not only is it too vague, but it opens the door for the government to ban any breed. Those dogs (of all breeds, not just pits) which harm other animals/people should be dealt with on an individual basis." - Melissa Cole, Scarborough, May 15

"I appreciate that not all pit bulls are a danger to others, but I would rather be overly cautious than to hear of another horrific attack on anyone: child, adult or other animal." - Lynne Roberts, Mississauga, May 15

"Personally, I can see both sides of the pit bull debate. Pit bulls are visually intimidating dogs in comparison to other breeds (take the Chihuahua), but I'm not sure viciousness is characteristic. If owners train their dogs to be aggressive, regardless of the breed, the animal will attack. However, that's not saying that all pit bull attacks stemmed from aggressive training. I'm sure some of the animals blamed in these attacks were docile, sociable creatures within their immediate families. The problem is, which animals are vicious and which are friendly?" - Sarah Jane Despard-Young, London, May 15

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