Hershey’s Rally Against Ontario’s BSL

Ontario’s controversial ban on pit bulls — now five years old — is under fire once again as a coalition of dog-loving groups rallied Sunday to support MPP Cheri di Novo’s efforts to have the law changed. Hundreds of people and dozens of well-behaved muzzled dogs “substantially similar to the elusive pit bull” gathered at Coronation Park on the Toronto waterfront on Sunday afternoon to protest Ontario’s ban on pit bulls and to demand the repeal of breed-specific legislation.

The first speaker, reporter Anita Robeson, described the case of Ginger, a pit bull taken into custody after defending herself in a park after an attack by a German shepherd/collie cross. Ginger’s owner, Philip Huggins, has spent more than $75K in legal fees to try to protect her from being killed.

Marcie Laking, Vice-President of Toronto Humane Society, said at the rally that this subject is very close to her heart, as she has a 10-year-old pit bull. Although Toronto Humane Society is unable to adopt out illegal pit bulls, the shelter will make every effort to save them and will not put them down because of their breed. Marcie said that it has been proven scientifically that BSL does not work and certainly does not reduce dog bites.

She then introduced Bill Bruce, Director of Calgary Animal Services, who is visiting Toronto this week to consult with Toronto Humane Society. Rally organizers and attendees were thrilled that Bill took the time to attend and talk about the now world famous Calgary model to fight dog bites, which does work.

Calgary Animal Services provides education on responsible dog ownership (along with zero-tolerance bylaw enforcement) and on preventing dog bites. During a period of population doubling in Calgary, incidences of dog aggression have decreased 75%, even with the influx of pit-bulls from Ontario, Bill quipped. During his speech, he also cited a study by the Canine Research Council, noting that the incidence of mis-identification of dog breed within municipal animal control is 80%. Take note, Michael Bryant.

Cyndi Knill then stepped up to the microphone to tell us the story of the two Jennifers – Jennifer Wind, a rescuer, and Jennifer Waite, who ultimately ended up adopting Hershey in whose honour the new bill is named. Hershey had been an over-bred puppy mill mother, caged 24/7. Her jaw had been broken in two places with no veterinary intervention, and had been left to heal on its own. With Jennifer, Hershey went on to become a confident and healthy therapy dog in Halton Hills. Hershey received an award from Toronto Humane Society as Therapy Dog of the Year.

But, under the new breed-specific legislation, she had to be muzzled and could no longer be a therapy dog. People asked after her for months after her forced retirement. In March, 2009, Hershey passed away, but she will never be forgotten.

The audience burst into cheers when Parkdale/High Park MPP, Cheri di Novo, took the stage. Cheri told us that there is no question that we will win on this issue. It is just a matter of when. If not before the next provincial election, then certainly after it…The Conservatives are wholeheartedly behind Hershey’s Bill, along with the NDP and some of the Liberal back-benchers.

What can you do, she asked, to make this happen? Pester your MPP’s and find out where they stand on the repeal of breed-specific legislation. Email them. MPP’s are getting emails about this issue daily; the only campaign that has had more emails is the anti-HST one. Sign petitions. Get out to the all-candidates meetings and ask where they stand on this issue.

As dusk approached, rally participants walked their dogs peacefully to Pawsway at Harbourfront, then headed to Queen’s Park for a Candlelight Vigil.

Source: Red Star Cafe (please read their full article)

Related Story: Toronto Star

For more information about the efforts visit Stop Canine Profiling