(L to R) Daisy, Junior and Cleo Hanging Out
1. If the amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) came up today for a free rather than a whipped vote as happened in 2005, would you vote in favour of banning breeds as an effective way to protect people from dog bites? Please explain.
Whipped vote or not I would not support it. The problem is owners, not breeds, though irresponsible owners and breeders have increased the incidence of dangerous behaviours in some animals.
2. Please tell our readers why you think the 'pit bull' ban enacted by the McGuinty government has or has not been successful in protecting the public from dog bites.
See immediately above.
3. Would you be willing, if elected, to work to rescind Ontario's amended Dog Owners' Liability Act (2005) and replace it with an existing, easily implemented Canadian system that has been effective in the control of negligent pet owners, that is supported by all responsible pet owners and that once established is fully funded by dog and cat owners rather than through general revenue taxation? Please briefly explain your response.
I am not familiar with the specific “Canadian system” to which you refer, so I cannot fairly answer the question.
4. How important to you is the issue of amending
If you are referring to amendments that would seriously strengthen the legal sanctions against abuse and cruelty and put real teeth (pardon the pun) into enforcement- 20.
5. Is there anything you'd like to add?
I believe a society is most accurately judged by the way it treats its most vulnerable citizens, and the way it treats its companion animals. We fail on both counts but I believe there is widespread support for improvement, too.
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Thank you very much for your thoughtful replies, Jim.
Best of luck on October 10!
Thanks so much for your strong support! Good luck on Oct 10th!