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we have a law going into effect in Ontario which bans the breed. When enacted, Pitbulls (however defined) will no longer be able to be sold. Existing pitbulls (however defined) will be left alone though, there will not be any collection/culling. Pitbull (however defined) owners will be required, however, to muzzle their pets in public.
This of course has raised a hew and cry similar to other posts in this thread. There are arguements on both sides, but hte most telling is that the OSPCA quotes dog bite statistics that 80% of reported bites inthe province are from pit bulls (however defined).
I myself am glad that the breed will be banned, because of the weight of evidence. the problem lies in definition of the breed. the net is going to be thrown wide, and the holes are fairly tight. Appeals will have to be made to a veterinarian to determine pitbull-ness. I haven't the faintest idea where the line will be drawn for mutts (50% plus 1? talk about your Clarity Act!). I always thought that these dogs were mutts anyways.
At any rate, my personal views aside, this may quash the 'gun on leash' issue for the short term, but the type of people that own problem dogs (as usual dogs reflect the personalities of their owners) will switch to other macho breeds for intimidation or machismo purposes (Canarias, Rotties). My neighbour has a very lovable light brown pitbull which doesn't bark at all. Nowhere near as obnoxious as the toy poodle next door, but I had to have a tall fence built as she kept hurling herself against the small one to chase squirrels. She was so powerful, that the chain link was pushed in permanently. But the dog is ugly, and when her fur is up, she is scary. Ergo fence.
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