Dear

As a member of your constituency, I want to make it known that I am strongly against the proposed pit bull ban, or any breed-specific legislation.

Pit bulls that are bred responsibly, trained and provided with loving environments make wonderful pets. As with all breeds of dogs, responsible pet ownership is the key to ensuring acceptable dog behaviour. A Pit bull puppy is no different from any other puppy.

Ontario's Attorney General recently suggested the possibility of a province-wide Pit bull ban. Breed bans are not the answer to dog bites and aggressive behaviour. As long as irresponsible breeders and owners encourage hostile activity, the problem will not be resolved. If Pit bulls are banned, the wrong people will simply train dogs of another breed to be aggressive.

The opportunity now exists for government to look at the whole issue of animal welfare and community safety, not just breed banning a knee-jerk reaction. Breed banning will prove to be only a Band-Aid solution. Federal, provincial and municipal governments need to deal with the pressing need for better animal welfare legislation in Ontario. Current laws are antiquated and ineffective and lag far behind the other provinces and many other countries.

The answer to this serious issue is tougher legislation to give animal welfare agencies the tools to do their job properly. As well, a thoughtful program of breeder registration, responsible pet ownership that includes knowledge, kindness and dog neutering will help eliminate these tragic bite incidents.

For more information on pit bulls and the issue of banning, please view this website. http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~pmccabe/pitbull/

I urge you to use your voice in parliament responsibly. Vote against breed-specific legislation.

Sincerely,