Article in Paper

[DonnaJo]

Hi All,

This was sent to me by a fellow BSL fighter.

http://www.thestar.com/back_issues/ED19990501/news/990501NEW06b_CI-BITE1.html

There is a place for you to click to give your comments. We certainly don't want to see Breed Specific Legislation imposed anywhere, so send your comments!

[German Vanegas]

The article is from a Canadian newspaper...

"Dog bylaws weak, inquest is told

By Tracy Huffman
Toronto Star Staff Reporter

The provincial government needs to endorse stronger legislation governing pet owners to prevent tragedies like the dog-mauling death of 8-year-old Courtney Trempe, an inquest has been told.

Current legislation is minimal and bylaws vary from one municipality to another, Town of Georgina bylaw enforcement officer Andrew Fordham testified yesterday.

Some attacks may not be preventable, but tighter laws could force owners to take more responsibility for their dogs' actions, Fordham said. ``A dog has to bite or attack before we can do anything.''

Courtney was at a friend's Stouffville home on April 29 last year when she went next door with two other children to play. Shortly after arriving in the backyard, the neighbour's 130-pound bull mastiff lunged at her neck.

She was rushed by ambulance to Markham-Stouffville hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Many minor bites go unreported and measures to prevent a similar occurrence are not enforced as a result, Fordham said.

And even if an attack is reported, the dog is often left in the community without any restraints during lengthy court proceedings, Fordham said. While such proceedings are under way, a dog should be restrained until a decision is reached in court, he added.

``What I'd like to see is a set fine imposed, like speeding, for failing to take reasonable precaution,'' he said.

When a dog is considered vicious, the owner can be ordered to keep the dog leashed and muzzled while outside the home, Fordham told coroner Dr. Barry McLellan and a five-member jury.

But when the dog leaves the municipality - either permanently or for an afternoon - those orders do not apply. For that reason, Fordham said, he would like to see the same rules apply across the province.

``The laws should protect people outside of the community, too,'' he said.

The dog that attacked Courtney was later destroyed, but has been described to the jury as obedient.

The inquest, being held in the East Gwillimbury town hall in Sharon, is examining legislation governing dog ownership, pet registration, dog breeding and training.

It continues Monday."

Caroline, the ball is now on your turff.

[CarolineS]

That is an old article and I believe the inquest is over now. I have not read it in its entirety, not even sure where one would get it, but I have read and heard summaries of the findings and all I can say is I think they are right on the money!!

No where was Breed Specific Legislation ever mentioned in the recommendations. In fact, the inquest heard that banning a certain breed did not fix the problem. As you can see from the article, the blame is put right where it belongs...on the owner.

I hope they do manage to pass province-wide legislation just like this. Vicious, out-of-control dogs of any breed have no place in our society. I have always thought that the owners of such dogs got off way too easily, even when someone was badly mauled and killed.

We just have finished a provincial election up here and the party I support has won a 2nd majority government and they aren't squeamish about putting forth legislation that really bothers special interest groups. I am sure there are those out there who think that no one has the right to tell you what to do with your dog. I think I will try to find out where I can read the inquest recommendations and send a letter both to the Coroner's Office and the Premier of the province encouraging them to pass such legislation.

Did I hit that ball well enough for you, German?

[German Vanegas]

Yep!

[DonnaJo]

Thanks German for posting the article, I never thought that people may not have access to read it. But isn't it a copyright thing to put it here?

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Donna Holloway
www.telusplanet.net/public/donnah/HOME.HTM