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Montreal Imposes BSL

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It’s been a sad week in the pit bull/bully breed community. On Tuesday, September 27, legislators in a council meeting voted 37-23 in favor of imposing breed-specific legislation in Montreal, Québec, Canada. The law will effectively outlaw any dog that resembles a pit bull – unless owners comply with a strict set of regulations. Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the new law is that pit bull-type dogs that are currently in city shelters cannot be adopted. They must be euthanized. According to The Dodo, the Montreal SPCA takes about 2,000 dogs into the city shelters it runs every year. About a third of those dogs meet the city’s standard as pit bulls.

For people who already own pit bull-type dogs, the new law allows them until March to undergo a criminal background check and pay $150 for a special permit. They must also have their dog neutered/spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. Dogs also must be muzzled and on a 4-foot leash at all times in public. For those who cannot or do not follow these rules, their dogs are subject to seizure and euthanasia.

montreal imposes bsl Even further, the bylaw also creates two categories of dogs of all breeds: at-risk and dangerous. At-risk dogs are those that exhibit aggressive behaviour, such as biting. Dangerous dogs are those that have killed someone or are deemed dangerous by an expert. If a dog is “deemed dangerous,” he/she will also be subject to seizure and euthanasia.

The controversial legislation was proposed after a series of dog attacks in the city. One of those attacks lead to the death of a woman in her yard, but it is still unclear if the dog that killed her was even a pit bull at all.

The new law is definitely not supported by everyone, however. The ban has sparked protests throughout Canada and around the world. Rescue groups are working tirelessly to move pit bull-type dogs into other provinces that don’t enforce BSL before the law goes into effect on October 3.

While this news is discouraging for our pit bull-loving community, the fight is not over. Here are a few things you can do to take action:

  1. Sign a petition – here and here.
  2. Write to city officials (especially Mayor Denis Coderre). Here is a list of elected officials you can email:
    mbarbe@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    dimitrios.beis@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    frantz.benjamin@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richardbergeron@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    michel.bissonnet@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    karine.boivin.roy@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    eric.alan.caldwell@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richard.celzi@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    harout.chitilian@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    mariecinq-mars@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jfcloutier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    catherineclementtalbot@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    russell.copeman@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    francois.croteau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    cdauphin@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    adesousa@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    mderos@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richarddeschamps@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    p.desrochers@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    elus.sudouest@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    sterling.downey@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    erika.duchesne@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    suzannedecarie@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    france.st-jean@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    marc-andre.gadoury@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    pierre.gagnier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    manon.gauthier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jgibeau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richard.guay@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    ahenault@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    laurence.lavigne.lalonde@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    guillaume.lavoie@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    elsie.lefebvre@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    francois.limoges@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    louise.mainville@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    normand.marinacci@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    justine.mcintyre@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    peter.mcqueen@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    francesco.miele@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    lmiranda@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    real.menard@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    alex.norris@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    sylvain.ouellet@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    lorraine.page@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jean-francois.parenteau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    lionel.perez@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    dperri@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    valerie.plante@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    magda.popeanu@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    giovanni.rapana@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    chantal.rossi@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    mrotrand@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    chantal.rouleau@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    richard.ryan@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    aref.salem@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    asamson@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    craig.sauve@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    jeremy.searle@sympatico.ca
    steve.shanahan@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    anne-marie.sigouin@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    emilie.thuillier@ville.montreal.qc.ca
    monique.vallee@ville.montreal.qc.ca
  3. If you are interested in adopting a pit bull, consider doing so from the Montreal SPCA here.

It is okay to be angry about this news, but it is important to not act out in anger or violence. As pit bull and bully breed advocates, we must continue to fight for breed equality in a peaceful manner. It will take time, but our voices WILL be heard.

How to Care for a Pit Bull

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You’ve thought about it. You’ve done your research. You’ve prepared yourself as best you can. And you adopted a pit bull – congratulations! As you hopefully already know, owning a dog can be hard work. It requires time, money, and sometimes even personal sacrifice to make sure your dog is happy and healthy. So how might caring for a pit bull specifically differ from caring for other dog breeds? Read on to find out.

Pit bulls are not dogs for inexperienced dog owners. Because of their unfortunate reputation as being aggressive fighting dogs, pit bull owners must be especially mindful when out in public with their dog. Pit bull owners must be extremely responsible and willing to act as a breed ambassador at all times.

While every individual dog is different, and because the term “pit bull” actually encompasses many breeds, it can be difficult to know what to expect when you adopt a pit or bully breed dog. There are a few things, however, that most pit bulls have in common:

–Exercise needs: considerable

–Grooming: minimal

–Life expectancy: 11-14 years

Pit bulls are muscular, athletic dogs that require daily exercise. They should be walked every day and played with (fetch, tug-of-war, etc.) often. Pit bulls are usually medium-sized dogs (or bigger) and should have enough space to move around comfortably.

Because pit bulls have short hair, they require little grooming. Be mindful, though, if you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter months. Do not leave your pit outside if it’s raining, snowing, or cold. Dogs can get frostbite and hypothermia too! how to care for a pit bull

As we’ve mentioned in previous articles, part of being a responsible pit bull owner is making sure your dog is well-trained. Your dog’s behavior is a reflection of the entire pit bull/bully breed community. Pit bulls can be stubborn, but they are also obedient and eager-to-please. They are smart, inquisitive animals who can benefit from the kind of mental stimulation that training classes can offer.

Depending, of course, on the individual, pit bulls are generally very social, people-oriented dogs. Like all dogs, they should receive lots of love and attention. Do not leave your dog home alone for long periods of time, especially if he/she does not have access to the outside. Pit bulls are generally known to be gentle with kids as well, but always be cautious when introducing your dog to new people. Never leave your dog unattended with a child.

Other basic things to consider:

-Make sure your dog is licensed, up-to-date on all required vaccinations, and always wears identification tags
-Make sure your dog is spayed or neutered
-Make sure your dog is fed at least once a day and has access to fresh water at all times

What To Know Before Adopting a Pit Bull

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adopting a pit bullIt’s no secret that owning a dog comes with responsibility. But in many ways, owning a pit bull requires even more responsibility. Pit bull owners face some tough challenges, like breed stigmatization, discrimination, and bias. It’s not for everyone, but being a pit bull or bully breed owner can be one of the most rewarding experiences you could have.

Ask yourself the following questions before you adopt to help you decide if a pit bull is the right dog for you:

–What are you looking for in a dog? Consider what traits or characteristics are important to you. Pit bulls are loyal, intelligent, silly, affectionate, and sometimes stubborn creatures. They need moderate daily exercise and ongoing socialization. Every dog varies in his/her specific requirements, however, so be sure to ask as many questions as you can and obtain us much information as possible about the particular dog you want.

–Are you ready and willing to be a responsible dog owner? This means having your dog spayed/neutered (if you adopt from a shelter, they require it), training your dog, making sure he/she is always wearing up-to-date identification, and keeping him/her socialized. Being a responsible pet owner requires time and money, so be sure you are at a stable point in your life in order to make this commitment.

–Do you have other pets? Make sure your existing pet(s) and the dog you hope to adopt will be
able to coexist. While many dogs can live comfortably with other animals in the house, not all can. It is important to introduce the animals (and human family members!) prior to adopting to be sure everyone gets along. Check with the rescue or shelter staff to see if the dog has been evaluated for compatibility with other animals.

–What are the federal, state, or local laws pertaining to pets in general and pit bulls specifically? Do some research about the area where you live to ensure there is no breed specific legislation in place, which bans dogs who look a certain way, regardless of their actual temperament or behavior. If you rent or have a homeowners association, make sure a pit bull-type dog is allowed under those terms. Also be aware that if you own a pit bull or other bully breed dog, finding housing in the future may be difficult. Creating a pet resume can help.

–Are you willing to stand up for your pit bull? If you’re thinking about adopting a pit bull, perhaps the most important thing for you to understand is that once you do, you become a breed ambassador. Being a breed ambassador means separating yourself from the stereotypical pit bull owner and proving to the public that pit bulls are not the scary, violent dogs they are so often perceived to be. You must peacefully and patiently combat the negative stigma surrounding pit bulls on a frequent basis. You are your dog’s advocate from now on.

Above all else, understand this: if you adopt a pit bull, you will have a loyal, loving companion for years to come. Yes, owning a dog is sometimes hard work. And yes, being a breed ambassador can be hard work, too. But the joy of sharing your life with a canine companion is unparalleled, and for the right person, a pit bull is the perfect fit.

 

Pit Bull Caitlyn Named Survivor of the Year

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As this year comes to a close, we are elated to hear that abused pit bull turned animal rights advocate, Caitlyn, has been named People Magazine’s best survival story of 2015. In May, Caitlyn was found wandering the streets of North Charleston, South Carolina, with her muzzle taped tightly shut, her tongue sticking out and bleeding. It appeared that she had been in that condition for several days, unable to eat or drink. For a moment rescuers were unsure if she would survive, but she has indeed overcome the odds. She underwent multiple surgeries to reconstruct her lips, tongue, and cheeks and, despite a visible scar that runs across her face, has recovered beautifully.

The man who is accused of taping Caitlyn’s muzzle shut to keep her quiet has been arrested and sits in jail as he awaits trial next year. Caitlyn has found a new loving family to call home and continues to gain national recognition as a symbol for abused animals everywhere. Caitlyn was featured in People’s annual pet awards issue (which will hit newsstands on December 21st), appearing in the “Hero Pets” section with her own photo shoot spread. The Charleston Animal Society has also started a movement using the hashtag #IamCaitlyn as a reminder that Caitlyn stands for every abused and abandoned dog in shelters.

Caitlyn’s story is one of resilience, strength, and willingness to love despite cruelty. We’re inspired and, of course, glad to see some positive press about a beautiful pit bull! We hope others will be reminded by her story that there are so many shelter animals waiting to be adopted into loving homes.

Dogs Are Not Disposable

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“I’m sure someone will adopt him.” Wake up.

So you’ve left your dog at the shelter. Now the clock starts. Your dog has about 72 hours to find new owners, starting at the time you dropped him off. This 3 day deadline can be extended if the shelter isn’t jam packed with other abandoned pets, and if your dog manages to ward off one of the many infections that inhabit animal shelters. Your dog will lay on a cement floor, confined to a small kennel, surrounded by other displaced dogs. Your dog will shiver, whine for you, and wonder what it did to deserve such a horrid punishment. It will be forced to relieve itself in the same place it sleeps. Each day their cement box will be pressure washed to clear the area of their excrement. Your dog will cry for companionship, attention and care. Most will receive attention via a metal bowl filled with donated food slid under their door twice a day, and the lucky ones (at facilities with lots of staff and volunteers) will get to go for a walk or two during their stay.

Eventually, all this anxiety and confusion will make your dog more succeptible to picking up one of the many viruses and bacteria that are housed in the shelter. As soon as your dog shows any signs of poor health, he will euthanized. As soon as your dog starts displaying any type of adverse behaviors, he will be euthanized. If your dog gets into an altercation with another dog, he will be euthanized. The shelter employees and volunteers do not do this because of a sadistic love of euthanizing pets, they do it because they lack the resources to nurse your ill dog back to health, and because they lack the space to separate dogs with special needs. [Read more…]

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