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Canine Control Bylaws fall under municipal jurisdiction. Each municipality has its own bylaws. From time to time they are reviewed, usually to address certain problems that arise within a community.
Problems arise within communities that are sometimes not defined properly in existing bylaws. Sometimes there is adequate existing legislation that simply falls behind in the evolution of technology or business. Another common factor surrounding legislation and municipal bylaws is simple and outright politics. Personal agendas and new-found power are contributing factors in some cases.
ONTARIO'S BILL 132
The new province-wide Dog Owners' Liability Act is in full force. Dog owners of any short haired, muscular dogs need to be aware and very careful.
To read the new Dog Owners' Liability Act, click here or go to National Laws and scroll down to Ontario. You need to read the Dog Owners' Liability Act, the Regulations that accompany the DOLA and the Animals for Research Act.
Please help us fund the challenge against the Province of Ontario
The DLCC has a wonderful easy to read brochure available on the basics of Bill 132 and the new DOLA. The first brochure is just for reading on the web while the second is in PDF format so you must have Adobe Reader to view it and it will open in a new and separate page.
Click here for the easy read version for the internet
Or click here for the printable version that you can print off and hand out
Some of you may be reading this page and do not live in Ontario, but like to visit or attend dog related events with your dogs. The exemptions are for specific dog shows and events and NAFA flyball competitions are in the DOLA Regulations, read them carefully and act accordingly.
This law really does concern you too!!!
And for those who are just traveling across the country or passing through, this law also affects you! Please read a letter from James Bradley, former Minister of Tourism to a DLCC member planning a family trip to the east coast.
Ministry of Tourism and Recreation
Minister
9th Floor, Hearst Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON M7A 2E1
Tel: (416) 326-9326
Fax: (416) 326-9338
File Reference Number: XXX
April 7, 2005
Dear Ms. XXXXX :
Thank you for your e-mail messages about the Ontario government's new legislation banning pit bulls. I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns, and I apologize for the delay in responding to you.
Ontario's Public Safety Related to Dogs Statute Law Amendment Act, 2005 became law on March 9, 2005, and it amends the Dog Owners' Liability Act. The new legislation will come into effect on August 29, 2005, banning pit bulls and their importation into Ontario. The new law also places restrictions on existing pit bulls and toughens penalties for the owners of any dog that poses a danger to the public. Pit bulls already legally resident in the province before the date the law comes into force may remain legally in Ontario, subject to certain conditions, such as compliance with leash, muzzle and sterilization requirements. Accordingly, law-abiding owners of existing pit bulls in Ontario need not give up their dogs.
Importing pit bulls into Ontario will be prohibited after August 29, 2005. Pit bulls not legally resident in Ontario prior to this date will be subject to seizure, and persons found to have imported a pit bull into Ontario will be in violation of the law and may be subject to fines and/or jail. There are no exceptions for tourists, including those simply passing through Ontario with their pit bulls, apart from a limited exception for individuals participating in a recognized dog show. You can find further information about the legislation on the Ministry of the Attorney General's website at: www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca
Ontario greatly values its visitors from Canada, the United States and abroad. We are proud of the many world-class tourism attractions and experiences in Ontario, and we are working hard to provide a safe and welcoming province for visitors and residents alike. For more information on traveling in Ontario, please visit www.ontariotravel.net, or call toll free 1-800-Ontario (1-800-668-2746).
Again, thank you for advising me of your concerns, which I will share with my Cabinet colleague, the Honorable Michael Bryant, Attorney General of Ontario.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Bradley
Minister
We would strongly suggest anyone planning a trip through Ontario write the Minister of Tourism and express your thoughts on never visiting again and spending money in Ontario. Please be sure to let them know that you have written Minister Chris Bentley and that this will affect Ontario's Tourism.
For further information about the law or to voice your concerns, please contact:
Email Attorney General Chris Bentley here or here or call 416–326–2220 or 1–800–518–7901
Email Premier Dalton McGuinty here
And don't forget to email both leaders of the opposition parties and voice your concerns to them! It's time to request changes to the DOLA that will properly address the issue of dog bites and irresponsible owners being held accountable. If they do not hear from us as dog owners and visitors to the province of Ontario, they will not be likely to change the laws.
Email the Leader of the NDP Party Howard Hampton
Email the Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party John Tory
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