Aug. 31, 2004. 06:24 AM
Ontario ponders ban on pit bulls
Some like lethal `weapons': Bryant
Weekend attack triggers debate
RICHARD BRENNAN
QUEEN'S PARK BUREAU
The Ontario government is considering a province-wide ban on pit bull dogs, which are nothing less than four-legged "dangerous weapons," Attorney-General Michael Bryant says.
"If we are banning or otherwise restricting other dangerous weapons, why would we not include these animals as well and that's ... something that we are looking at," Bryant told the Star yesterday. "Some animals amount to nothing less than dangerous weapons."
Bryant was reacting to the vicious attack by pit bulls in Toronto on the weekend that left a 25-year-old man with extensive leg, back and arm injuries. Witnesses said if police had not fired up to 16 shots into the two dogs, the animals would likely have killed the man.
"We are very concerned about pit bulls, the proliferation of pit bulls and the danger that they may pose to Ontarians ... (and) we have not ruled a ban out. I have asked officials to look into that and I will also be looking for input from Ontarians as well," Bryant said. He said the province has an obligation to protect people from dangerous animals.
"Nobody has the right to bring a lion into a day-care centre. We have to ensure that any dangerous animals out there are properly kept away from the public."
"Municipalities already have that option and at this stage we're just looking into whether the province should also get involved," he said.
Under the Ontario Municipal Act, municipalities have the right to ban dog breeds. Kitchener has already done that. Its bylaw says anyone who has acquired a pit bull since April 7, 1997 and did not remove it from the city faces a fine of up to $5,000.
As an interim measure before a decision is made on a province-wide ban, Bryant encouraged other municipalities to consider similar bylaws.
Last December, a 23-year woman was savagely attacked by three pit bulls in Brantford and again police had to shoot the dogs dead.
"I have long been concerned about this issue. I have had constituents come into my office with concerns and complaints about pit bulls and their effect not only on a community, but with respect to other animals and the harm that they may cause to other animals," Bryant said.
Pit bulls are not a specific breed, but include Staffordshire terriers and American pit bull terriers. Some have been bred to become ultra-aggressive.
The Canada Safety Council estimates 460,000 Canadians are bitten by dogs each year.
So far, Saskatchewan is the only province to pass dangerous-dog legislation with penalties that include fines of up to $10,000 or six months in jail or both.
Bryant has asked Ontarians to e-mail him at
michael.bryant@jus.gov.on.ca with their thoughts and to include "pit bull" in the memo field.