As I write this, I realise that it has been a while since I wrote on the blog at all.  While I would love to do an update post on how Brutus and the gang are doing, I have to take this time to make some comments regarding the recent Breed specific legislation passed in Montreal.

This idea that breed specific legislation is a fix for dog bites and dog bite fatalities is simply an outdated idea that has been proved wrong time and time again.  Montreal BSL includes several breeds of dogs found in the bully breed category of dogs, but also go so far as to also make it so that any dog with a particular body type and look will be included as well.  This is a very disturbing addition to the law that simply is not fair or just.  If I lived in Montreal, my boy, Brutus would be included in this law and would need to wear a muzzle anywhere outside my home / yard.  God help anyone who tried to make me muzzle Brutus for no good reason.  If I was an owner in Montreal, I would be joining in the lawsuit filed by SPCA and I urge all owners to get involved.

The fact that they want to begin euthanasia within  a week following the ruling is both inhumane and outrageous.  I hope all vets across Montreal refuse to euthanize based on look and breed and choose only to only take that drastic action should the facts of a particular dog’s behavior and history of behavior warrant such an action.

A case showing how BSL does not work can be seen in Toronto.  They implemented their BSL in 2004 and looking at their statistics before and after the BSL, dog bites did not go down.  In fact, they have gone up and let’s get with reality folks, it is not just pit bull type dogs who bite.  The #2 dog for dog bites in Toronto in 2014 was the Labrador Retriever.  They actually were # 4 on the list in 2004 when Toronto’s BSL went into effect. Other dogs include the Jack Russell Terrier who was # 3 both in 2004 and 2014. Even the Golden Retriever made the list in 2014.  Can you imagine the uproar if anyone suggested a ban on any of those 3 breeds!  And before anyone gets the wrong idea and thinks Pitbulls were #1 on the list in 2004, think again because they were not. That went to the German Shepherd.

Dog bites should be taken on a case by case basis and not be based on particular breeds because in the event everyone just got off the dumb train and haven’t been clued in, ALL DOGS CAN BITE.

I hope the efforts of the Montreal SPCA to take this case to court provides owners and rescue organizations the time to get the law overturned or at the very least, find homes for all the perfectly sweet and loving animals.  Let’s hope we get good news from them soon.  I urge anyone with the ability to aid in the rescue of Montreal’s dogs to check their local rescues for contacts in Montreal or to go to the Monreal SPCA Website to contact them. I know many local groups are asking for drivers and foster homes until permanent ones can be found.

Til next time.

Brutus and L