Monday, February 6, 2023
Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit! Act NOW to end the Ontario Breed Ban
Monday, November 29, 2021
A Review of BSL in Ontario
Better Yet
How Did BSL Happen In Ontario Anyway?
I remember having to put a muzzle on my 14 year old dog. It tore my spirit apart when she glanced at me looking bewildered and confused. Putting that muzzle over her devoted, sweet, obedient and trusting face was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do.
WHY was I, a responsible dog owner, forced to do this? My Glory girl had been the mascot for the kid's baseball team at the 12th Street park for years. I was filled with grief and fury. It was inconceivable blanket discrimination could be passed. Why were dogs deemed public enemy number one when it was guns and gang shootings that were making the papers on a regular basis in 2004/5? Ontario citizens weren't locking their doors at night because they were afraid of dogs...
Ontario's dog owning citizens lost the "presumption of innocence" and in spite of "reverse onus" being against section 11 in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it was now legislated in Ontario. The Canadian Charter is considered essential in preserving Canada as a free and democratic country, but now thousands upon thousands of Ontario citizens lost freedom of choice along with the "presumption of innocence". How did this happen?
43 out of 44 experts spoke against the ban at the hearings for Bill 132 and to quote Michael Bryant, the ban's architect, "YOU DON'T ASK AN ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BE THE DOG EXPERT ... THE BOTTOM LINE IS IT'S GOING TO BE UP TO THE EXPERTS". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVaJpFHed9A
Dr. Tim Zaharchuk was president of the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association then and testified on behalf of the OVMA. The link to his testimony is below. When speaking about Michael Bryant in 2012 for a documentary "A Dying Breed" Dr. Zaharchuk reiterated, "I was absolutely shocked at the lack of consultation. He (Bryant) said he consulted with our provincial organization, which he did not". https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/committees/legislative-assembly/parliament-38/transcripts/committee-transcript-2005-jan-24#P672_181318
In 2007 a study entitled "Panic Policy Making: Canine Breed Bans in Canada and the United States" conducted by the department of political science at West Virginia University hints at ulterior political motives why Bryant and the AG's office made an issue out of dogs. An excerpt from page 16 of Panic Policy Making; " In late August 2004 the Ontario Liberal Party's Attorney General, Michael Bryant, decided to legislate a ban on the ownership of pit bulls. Critics of the Liberals– the majority party in the Legislative Assembly or “the government”--have suggested that the ban was a tactic manufactured by the Liberals to deflect criticism of the growth of crime and gang activity, especially in Toronto (confidential Interviews). Opposition Progressive Conservative and New Democrat legislators also thought that he proposed the ban to deflect media attention from other issues and unpopular policies bedeviling the Liberal government. In their eyes, the identification of the pit bull problem was “all political.” It was a manufactured intrusive event. NOTE: Every Liberal in the house voted for the breed ban yet not a single member of the Progressive Conservative or NDP voted for the ban. Legislation was NOT left to experts as Bryant stated it would be. "https://supporthersheysbill.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Panic-Policy-Making.pdf
During the Bill 132 hearings, the vast majority of 106 witnesses, or sets of witnesses, representing organizations and all of the groups associated with animal welfare, animal rescue, animal training as well as kennel clubs along with all veterinary associations opposed the ban. Ontario media outlets quoted Bryant when he called 3 breeds and "lookalike dogs "inherently dangerous" and "ticking time bombs" but no quotes were reported in media by the vast majority of professionals, experts and animal organizations speaking against the ban. In the link below is a concise summary of testimonies given for and against the breed ban. The testimony given by experts in 2005 remain as true today as they were at that time. Breed bans don't work. https://supporthersheysbill.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/bill132.pdf
Reliable data is important in forming good policy. The Ontario government does not collect data on dog bites or even dog related fatalities. Since enactment of breed-specific legislation (BSL) no record keeping has been implemented and no Ministry has published information on the success or failure of BSL or how many citizens family pets have been seized, killed, sent to research or sent out of province. The devastating emotional, mental and financial costs to Ontario citizens along with the huge cost to taxpayers has ever been disclosed - despite analysis of monetary costs estimated to run a hundred million or more. Public health information however showed dog bites increased by 138% in the first 12 years after the ban, proving the experts to be correct.
As Ontario began its 17th year of systemic profiling of peoples family pets it did not matter what race, profession, religion, age, culture or gender citizens were - if their family dog has a certain LOOK they are now second class citizens. Based on the science and expert opinions heard during the hearings, BSL should never have been legislated in the first place.
In closing, Michael Bryant admitted in his book "28 Seconds" to being in a alcoholic state while Attorney General of Ontario and the ban was 50% ego. His book was written after the vehicular death of Darcy Sheppard in 2009 when Bryant was initially charged with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death. Darcy Sheppard's body was tested for drugs and alcohol, but no drug or alcohol test was conducted on the driver of the car, Michael Bryant. Nine months after Sheppard's death independent prosecutors Mark Sandler and Richard Peck withdrew all the vehicular charges against Bryant. https://bryantwatch.wordpress.com/
The sad irony in all this, considering Ontario citizens lost presumption of innocence in a dog owners liability act, Bryant later became executive director and general counsel for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association.
Fran Coughlin
Advocate for Responsible Dog Ownership
Activist Against Breed-Specific Legislation
Dated November 29th, 2021.
Thursday, April 30, 2020
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
OPEN LETTER TO YASIR NAQVI, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services
March 23, 2016.
Yasir Naqvi;
You recently received thousands of letters and emails as the Minister in charge of the portfolio who can help Ontario dogs.
Over the last decade you received a minimum of a hundred thousand plus letters and documented emails asking your government to remove breed specific language in the Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA) and help Ontario dogs.
Your government has seen numerous protests at Queens Park and received countless petitions and pleas over the past decade demanding an end to the discriminatory breed ban only Liberals voted for in 2005. There has been bills put forth by different parties to end the breed ban. One bill passed 2nd reading and committee meetings but was not called for 3rd reading and lost months later due to prorogation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-BexqKh900
Recently one newer petition with over 75,000 signatures again requested your government help Ontario dogs. http://www.thepetitionsite.com/705/334/229/do-not-euthanize-the-31-dogs-seized-from-alleged-fighting-ring-in-chatam-ontario/
Another recent petition from Change.org entitled "Save The Chatham Dogs Seized From The OSPCA" is closing in on 40,000 signatures and every signature generated an email to the Premier, executives at the OSPCA and your office within the last month asking you, the Premier and the OSPCA to help Ontario dogs so we KNOW you are hearing us.
https://www.change.org/p/save-the-chatham-dogs-seized-by-ospca
The breed ban has NOT decreased overall dog bites and has NOT improved public safety. You are aware of those facts but still your government attempts to deceive the public by continuing to justify this ban? You fully understand people and dogs are being unfairly stereotyped and profiled and this Minister is NOT acceptable.
http://globalnews.ca/news/2527882/torontos-pit-bulls-are-almost-gone-so-why-are-there-more-dog-bites-than-ever/
Your government ignored expert testimony against the breed ban when former Attorney General Michael Bryant decided he wanted to ban certain dogs and ignored the 32 recommendations made from the Courtney Trempe inquest.
http://www.dlcc.ca/public/about-the-dlcc/courtney-trempe/
http://www.dogwatch.net/bill132.pdf
The now disgraced former attorney general Bryant (when he killed a man in a road rage incident) has admitted to being a active alcoholic during the time of the ban and stated the ban was 50% ego. Thus this blatantly discriminating legislation should be removed and instead the Calgary model, which experts advised your government to use, should be put in its place. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAUo_ryYxQo
Yasir you have a rescue dog. The type of dog you have is a dog type involved in the last four documented fatal dog attacks in Canada, and in fact been involved in more fatal dog attacks than any other type of dog in Canada. Surely YOU must get responsible dog ownership is key to decreasing not only dog bites but also rare dog bite fatalities? http://www.chicobandido.com/2012/03/dbrf-201202/
NOTE: If someone came into your home seized your well socialized non-offending dog because another dog who LOOKED similar had an incident, would YOU fight for your dog in court?
How many court cases and how much money time and effort has been spent forcing innocent Ontarians to legally fight for their non-offending pets? Surely YOU have "some" knowledge of this and hold "some" empathy for responsible Ontario dog owners who have found themselves caught in the horrific web of discrimination that is BSL.
Time and money wasted by animal services looking for certain types of dogs has NOT been effective and deflects from animal services protecting the public from truly reckless dog owners. Ontario NEEDS breed neutral legislation so irresponsible dog owners are held accountable no matter size, breed or type of dog an individual has.
The 21 Chatham dogs OSPCA wants euthanized are VICTIMS of BSL. The dogs did not choose to live a life of brutality. The assessments of OSPCA are questionable. The public wants the 21 dogs to be reassessed by outside third party professionals. Thousands of dollars have been donated to give these abused dogs a legal chance to be reassessed and a second chance for a decent life. At the very least allow the dogs to go to a rescue sanctuary during the interim where they will receive tools needed for socialization and rehabilitation. Do not stand in the way of this being done.
You have said many times now there is nothing you, the Minister with portfolio, can do to help the dogs. THAT IS JUST NOT TRUE. Under the Dog Owners Liability Act there ARE regulations that allow you to act. The sections are 20. (1) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may make regulations respecting the control of pit bulls. 2005, c. 2, s, 1 (16) (e) designation bodies referred to as designated in this Act; The Lieutenant Governor in Council in de facto is YOU as Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODvql2SdyEU
https://www.facebook.com/Supporting.Hersheys.Bill/?fref=ts
You have also stated numerous times your government does not have legislative or regulatory authority to do anything about the OSPCA. The link below shows the press conference in 2012 for a bill your government voted down that would give oversight of the OSPCA. Yasir was it not your government who gave a CHARITY police powers, with NO oversight, and then voted down oversight in 2012 but still YOU use no oversight for inaction to this day? Combine this mess with OSPCA being exempt from the freedom of information act and no wonder people of Ontario are up in arms.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGvWzfywXlg
Minister Naqvi; WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE for your government to acknowledge Ontario's breed specific legislation has NOT worked and punishing good dogs and responsible dog owners is NOT unacceptable? The good people of Ontario want fair, just and reasonable legislation for both themselves AND their animals.
TIME FOR CHANGE IS NOW. NO MORE EXCUSES.
Sincerely,
Fran Coughlin
Advocate for Responsible Dog Ownership
Activist Against Breed Specific Legislation
PS: BTW the form letter your government puts out year after year when pleas are made for better animal laws and to end the breed ban, has not changed in over a decade. People are fed up with receiving the same old outdated messages again and again.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Thanks Andy.
One can view Andy's cartoon at the link below. The other cartoon mentioned is not worth a view.
October 23, 2012 | Cartoons | Opinion | Toronto Sun
Thursday, October 4, 2012
OPEN LETTER TO JOHN MILLOY
GOVERNMENT HOUSE LEADER
Sunday, May 13, 2012
FIGHT For 3rd Reading of Bill 16
To end this stereotyping it's been seven long and difficult years of protests, court cases, petitions, fund raising, more court cases, dog shows, even more protests, rallies, special events, numerous amounts of petitions and two previous private members bills (thank you Cheri DiNovo) to get Bill 16 where it is today. A "Tri Party Bill" sponsored by PC MPP Randy Hillier, NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo and Liberal MPP Kim Craitor passed 2nd reading on February 23rd, 2012 by a vote of 51 to 26. Not an easy feat when Ontario's Premier continues to manipulate media, intimidate his caucus and whip votes. Before May 9th, of 2012 people had hope all committee members would be open, receptive and truly interested in insuring responsible, fair and effective legislation for the people of Ontario. Didn't happen.
We live in what is supposed to be a free and democratic country but in "Dalton's Ontario" the CANADIAN Charter of Rights and Freedoms doesn't mean much and is given little credence. Since Bill 132 warrantless entry, reverse onus and even Canadian Charter rights to travel freely across Canada is the norm. Many people moved out of Ontario to save their family pets leaving jobs, family and friends to do so. Many former residents would like to come home. Even those travelling to Ontario from other provinces and countries are negatively affected. These are just some of the reasons why so many have fought so long and hard to have current legislation amended. Passing Hersheys Bill 16 will return equality to all citizens along with removing reverse onus and re-introducing freedom of unrestricted travel. Getting Bill 16 where it is today has involved thousands and thousands of good Ontarians giving copious amounts of their time, effort and money. It has been a blood, sweat and tears kind of scenario.
Why you ask if this important? Read the quote from the highest court in Ontario slowly and carefully. (Her Majesty the Queen and Phillip Huggins) "Anything enacted by legislature must be enforced however harsh, absurd or contrary to common sense".
NOT ON OUR WATCH!
How can discrimination and profiling continue to be sanctioned by government?Why are we teaching childen to profile based on appearance? How can myths and misinformation win over facts and studies given by professional experts?
How can decent politicians remain silent when current legislation needs to be corrected? Why are some media outlets still promoting hype while ignoring studies? How is it one single politician can whip votes, disrespect proper political procedures and subvert the democratic process?
Enough IS Enough!
1. CALL and personally talk to your elected representative insisting Bill 16 be called for 3rd reading
2. ASK your place of business for a letter of support and deliver or fax it to your MPP's office.
3. CONTACT business associates, educate them and ask for their support. Give educational tools.
4. Contact your friends and family and ask them to contact their MPP on your behalf.
5. Put up posters/flyers at dog parks, pet stores, grocery stores; every place you can think of.
6. Visit http://www.supporthersheysbill.com Have friends join the page and keep up with events.
7. SHARE this blog and pass the messages of this blog and others speaking to Hersheys Bill 16.
6. Look up "Bill 16-Committee meeting" on YouTube. Listen to the experts see what really happened
8. Visit http://www.bringbackthebulls.com/ to document and make public your MPP's letter.
9. Attend and promote the many protest walks and rallies against BSL going on all over Ontario.
10. Contact Ontario's Minister of Tourism and let the Minister know you will not be visiting.
Lastly please consider donating to the cause. Materials and major events cost money to produce.
NOTE: To work around the program as written, some sentances are off or grammatically incorrect.