Before You Vote…Do Your Homework!

When you see a muzzled pit bull walking down the street with it’s owner what is the first thought that comes into your mind? Do you automatically think, “there goes a vicious dog!” and avoid the dog and it’s owner as you pass? Most people do, but are they basing those thoughts on actual fact or merely on the illusion of fear muzzled dogs conjure up? Usually that opinion is based on the sight of a dog wearing a muzzle and not on the true temperament of the animal in question.

It is time for Canadians to wake up! That dog is muzzled not because it is vicious (in 95% of cases) but because Ontario law says it has to be. truth be told, most pits raised by responsible dog owners are the biggest marshmallows you’ll ever meet. They, like any other dog, just want to be loved, and they have a lot of love to give in return. The passing of bill 132 that introduced BSL into Ontario and caused our good dogs to be muzzled in public has cast these dogs in a bad light. The true nature of the pit bull has been marred by the muzzles they are forced to wear.

Phoenix the dog on the right has a history of aggression. I muzzle him in public because it is my responsibility as a dog owner to see that he is under control at all times.

While I agree that aggressive dogs should be muzzled in public, I do not feel that the answer is muzzling all pit bulls. I do not own a pit bull, but I do own a dog that has a history of aggression. I muzzle him in public for his own safety as well as the safety of those around him. It is my responsibility as a dog owner to do so. I take that responsibility very seriously, the lives of my pets depend on it.

As I said, I do not own a pit bull, but I would if I could. Hell, I’d have a pit bull plantation if the law would allow. I grew up with the breed and am well aware of their gentle temperament and loyal dedication to their family. BSL has stopped me from working with these dogs or having one in my home.

Husky/lab cross Nakita has been mistaken for a pit bull more than once. I muzzle her in public for her own safety.

“So why are you screaming at us about the evils of BSL?” you ask, a puzzled look on your face. “You don’t own a pit bull so BSL doesn’t affect you! Why do YOU care?” The answer is simple, BSL does affect me because I own a dog who bears some of the physical characteristics of a pit bull. She has in fact been mistaken for a pit several times. Therefore despite the fact that she has NO pit blood, I felt the need to muzzle her last Sunday during Toronto’s Million Mutt March, for her own safety. Now tell me BSL doesn’t affect me or my dogs!

It affects you too! If your family pet is a medium sized short haired dog, BSL affects you! Even labrador retrievers have been mistaken for pit bulls and impounded. So pull your head out of the sand and see BSL for what it truly is, the easy way out for politicians.

Speaking of politicians, in the upcoming federal election Canadians have a chance to vote a leader into power who will address animal welfare issues. Before you cast your vote this May be sure you know the position your favorite candidate is taking on animal rights and welfare issues. You have the power to bring about change, do your homework, let’s vote people into power who are willing to clean up the state of animal welfare in our country. Ask the tough questions, be sure the candidate you plan to vote for is NOT in favor of BSL.

(Many thanks to Beth Mischitelle, for the photos of my dogs used in today’s post.)

Until Tomorrow Remember

BE THE CHANGE YOU SEEK!

Janette