Today, an Ontario committee heard testimony from experts throughout Canada on Bill 16 -- a bill that would essentially repeal the Province's 7 year old breed ban and replace it with a behavior-based ordinance.
In response to one expert's testimony about how human behavior often impacts canine behavior and bite incidents, MPP Randy Hillier, one of the bill's sponsors, responded:
"It's one of the unseen consequences of the current law; it takes away the requirement of people to think and be responsible...they no longer have to think when we know the dog because all of the "dangerous" dogs are gone."
In listening to the testimony, it was interesting listening to the overwhelming amount of research and evidence provided by experts in Canada against breed bans and in favor of behavior based ordinances. There was also a lot of testimony in favor the Calgary model of animal control because of its proven track record for success.
It was great to listen to the expert testimony and the combined decades upon decades of experience these people had in animal behavior, handling, training and identification - and hearing their consensus against breed specific laws. It is very telling....although no surprise as there has always been a lack of professional support for breed-specific laws.
You can watch and listen to the entire testimony below. It's exciting to hear most of the MPPs be on board with changing the legislation, and I strongly hope the momentum continues for repealing this poor law.
Thanks, Brent. We've all worked damned hard and I figure we've earned the lifting of this stupid ban.
Appreciate the exposure!
The Hansard transcripts should be available tomorrow.
Posted by: Selma | April 25, 2012 at 07:31 PM
If is so important that people view these hearings.The truth must get out there and those elected who ignore these facts for a personal agenda that makes no sense must be exposed. Thank you.
Posted by: liz | April 25, 2012 at 07:45 PM