Ontarios Breed Ban and the SPCA

In 2005 Ontario passed a bill that made it illegal to breed or own a "bully breed" or a dog that resembles a pitbull. Dogs by the thousands, have been euthanised. Even 6 week old puppies have been put down, simply because they are or resemble a particular breed. For every 5 dogs that enter the Animal Control centers in Ontario, only 2 may be elegiable to be moved to another province for adoption. The dogs are held to the highest behavioural standards. Once they pass those requirements, they are not allowed to leave their kennels, not allowed human contact, and not allowed to go for a walk. When the workers clean their Kennels, they are shoved to the back of the kennel, and their food comes through a small hole in the door of the Kennel.

I stumbeled into owning an Amstaff. Her name is Lucy and she is my best friend, always quick to cuddle. She's goofy and clumbsy, and simply wonderful. I can understand the general fear that people harbour towards these dogs. They are strong, and intimidating, no question. But behind that gruff exterior is a big heart that is couragous, loyal, and smart. The thought of losing my Lucy, breaks my heart and I can't imagine having to give her over to someone.

Here is why Im talking about this. The SPCA in Halifax/Dartmouth is working with one of the rescue groups in Ontario to save some of these dogs. They are in need of responsilble people to adopt these dogs. They are also looking for Foster Homes, it's a way that you can help without making the long term commitment of adopting a dog. Remember, these dogs have gone through the behaviour assesment in Ontario and at the SPCA, they have been locked in a Kennel until being transferd to the SPCA. There is a female Amstaff at the SPCA now, her name is Tyra and she has a face sweet enough to break your heart when you think about the horrible treatment she has recieved. Please, if you are concidering getting a dog, think about one of the dogs from Ontario. Go and meet one of the dogs, there is no harm in that. If there are restriction on any animal (such as no cats, or no other dogs in the household) from the SPCA you will be informed before you even fill out an adoption application, and that applies to all of the pets at the SPCA.

To contact the SPCA you can call 468-7877, their website is www.metro.spcans.ca
There is information there about volunteering, fostering, adoption, and you can also make a donation as the SPCA is not Government funded.

This is my Lucy.....








And this is Tyra who is available for adoption at the SPCA