Canada Bans Pit Bulls in Ontario Province

By Matt Green

Published on September 16, 2005

Canadian officials contend the law, which took effect Aug. 29, will reduce the number of lawsuits and severe injuries often associated with pit bull attacks.

Critics call the law's language vague. They say the measure will end up banning mixed breeds that have pit bull-like characteristics but lack a shred of pit bull DNA.

Pit bulls are already banned in several cities across Canada. In the United States, they're prohibited in Denver, Cincinnati and Miami.

The Canadian measure makes it illegal to breed pit bulls or bring them into the province. Those already in Ontario will be allowed to stay on a restricted basis, provided they're spayed, leashed and muzzled in public.

Dog owners must comply with the law by Oct. 28. Any pit bull born after that will be shipped out of the province, sent to a research facility or destroyed. Owners who violate the law can face up to six months in jail.

The law defines a pit bull as a Staffordshire bull terrier, an American Staffordshire terrier, an American pit bull terrier or any dog that's "substantially similar." This means the law could include a wide range of dogs, such as those mixed with the breed of dog known as boxers.

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