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The Branco and Gaspar families received some fantastic news today.
Their sweet dogs, Brittany and Rambo, have finally been released from the clutches of Brampton Animal Services---thanks to an independent veterinarian who has determined that the dogs are not pit bulls.
Of course, the dogs' families have been saying this all along.
As previously reported, the dogs were illegally seized on January 13, 2010, after being targeted by an animal control officer.
At that time, the city was provided with statements from experienced veterinarians who confirmed that the dogs were not pit bulls. But the city refused to accept this expert testimony as evidence.
On April 14, 2010, an agreement was reached between the dogs' owners and the City of Brampton to abide by the decision of an independent veterinarian not previously involved in the case.
Luckily, the vet ruled in the dogs' favour.
Had the vet concluded that the dogs were in fact pit bulls, they would have been either shipped out of Ontario (if homes could be found) or put to death---despite the fact that the dogs are beloved family members with calm dispositions.
As part of the settlement, Rambo and Brittany must be microchipped, sterilized, muzzled in public, and licensed as "potentially dangerous dogs," in accordance with the Dog Owners' Liability Act and Brampton's dog by-law.
Pit bulls or dogs with "substantially similar characteristics" are banned in Ontario, regardless of temperament.
But breed-specific legislation is simply wrong. It is as vile as racial discrimination and has no place in a civilized society.
Will your dog be next?
Also see:
Comments
You have to wonder how they can legally put restrictions on mutts that don`t fall under the Brampton By law or DOLA.There`s no such Breed as a 'pit bull' so it goes without saying that they can`t be 'pit bulls'.I`d like to know why any Vet got involved in this at all.The OVMA advised their members not to get involved.
The vet says the dogs are friendly, but they are now forced to were muzzles and licensed as "potentially dangerous dogs. What a lot of BS, just like Bill 132. Whats next for Ontario Dog owners who have mutts as K9 friends "Wearing a Red DOGGY STAR" on their arms? Gish, thought I was in Ontario Canada, not going backwards say to the 1940's in Germany. Sadly, now due to Bill 132 Reverse Onus is now on our law books, cause we were NOT paying attention.
The vets probably got involved out of sympathy to the dogs and owners. But how many times does the city have to hear 'NOT A PITBULL' from licenced professionals?? The city acted in a purposely cruel manner.
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