Toronto, On: Board Of Health Motion

[TrishB]

BOARD OF HEALTH MOTION

Request for Report on Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 349, Animals, to Require the Muzzling of Pit Bulls

Moved by: Deputy Mayor Bussin

"WHEREAS recent unprovoked pit bull attacks reported in the media has
highlighted a significant public safety issue in our community;

WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001 gives cities the responsibility for animal control, including the ability to ban specific breeds of dogs; and

WHEREAS the Attorney General of Ontario is currently reviewing animal
by-laws to determine whether to impose a province-wide ban on pit bulls and in the meantime, has encouraged Ontario municipalities to consider enacting by-laws to ban the breed; and

WHEREAS Chapter 349, Animals, of the City of Toronto Municipal Code, already contains provisions to require the muzzling of dogs off premises when the owner has been served with a notice of caution or a notice to muzzle by the Medical Officer of Health; and

WHEREAS recent attacks have demonstrated the need for the City of Toronto to take quick action to ensure the safety of its residents;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

(1) the Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with the City Solicitor, be requested to report to the Board of Health, as soon as possible, on the necessary amendments to Chapter 349, Animals, of the City of Toronto Municipal Code, to require owners to muzzle their pit bulls and other perceived dangerous breeds at all times when the animals are off premises;

(2) the Medical Officer of Health in consultation with the appropriate Ministries of the Government of Ontario recommend the development of a mechanism to report all dog bites and attacks on people and domestic animals in the province;

(3) the Medical Officer of Health further recommend to the Government of Ontario the establishment of a registry to track dangerous dogs that have been reported in a biting or mauling incidents.

September 20, 2004

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Please note that this is apparently from September 20th (I haven't heard a word otherwise and our Mayor Miller has only commited to following the province's lead on the matter). It also says "to require owners to muzzle their pit bulls and other perceived dangerous breeds at all times when the animals are off premises;"

So this isn't just a pit bull ban - they're targeting more.

Please note all of the councilors emails, along with Mayor Millers was attached to this. I removed them as per the forum rules. Should you want them, please pm me.