Will Your Family Dog Be Next?
Our Team
Our Position Statement
Our History
The Ontario Coalition Against BSL core team was founded by 4 leading organizations fighting to repeal BSL: Hershey Anti-BSL Group, United Paws, Save Ontario's Pit Bulls, and Ottawa Citizens Against Breed Specific Legislation/BSL. The group leaders work together, along side our many official Coalition partners and fellow advocates across
The Ontario Coalition Against BSL core team was founded by 4 leading organizations fighting to repeal BSL: Hershey Anti-BSL Group, United Paws, Save Ontario's Pit Bulls, and Ottawa Citizens Against Breed Specific Legislation/BSL. The group leaders work together, along side our many official Coalition partners and fellow advocates across Ontario, Canada and around the world, to help educate the public about the problems surrounding Breed Specific Legislation (or BSL). We advocate for Breed Neutral Legislation, public educational programs for children and adults, and responsible ownership.
Our History
Our Position Statement
Our History
The Ontario Coalition Against BSL was founded to bring leading advocates in Ontario together to fight against one common foe: discriminatory laws against responsible owners and their family pets. The Coalition works together from all across Ontario to push for laws that will no longer instantly criminalize responsible owners in the provi
The Ontario Coalition Against BSL was founded to bring leading advocates in Ontario together to fight against one common foe: discriminatory laws against responsible owners and their family pets. The Coalition works together from all across Ontario to push for laws that will no longer instantly criminalize responsible owners in the province. Currently, the Coalition goal is to eliminate the breed specific language in the Dog Owners Liability Act of Ontario and replace the language with owner accountability, in order to help truly achieve and maintain public safety.
Our Position Statement
Our Position Statement
Our Position Statement
The Ontario Coalition Against BSL is vehemently against Breed Specific Legislation. Research, science, and history demonstrate that only with breed neutral laws can the public truly be safe from dangerous dogs. We support the peer reviewed studies confirming that there is no such thing as a "dangerous breed", and that owner accountability
The Ontario Coalition Against BSL is vehemently against Breed Specific Legislation. Research, science, and history demonstrate that only with breed neutral laws can the public truly be safe from dangerous dogs. We support the peer reviewed studies confirming that there is no such thing as a "dangerous breed", and that owner accountability should be paramount in any law to be effective. We push for mandated education programs for children to learn proper etiquette around dogs, and strive for cities and municipalities to provide guidance and educational materials to dog owners on request.
The Animals for Research Act
On Monday November 1, 2021, amendments to the Animals for Research Act with respect to dogs typed as “pit bull” were enacted. These amendments are major milestones in the 16.5 year battle to abolish BSL in our province.
So what does this mean in relation to the Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act when it comes to bully breed owners? In layman terms, this is essentially it:
In the event your dog ends up at the pound, even if the pound has completed confirmation (e.g. confirmed with veterinarian records, done DNA testing and received the results, etc.) prior to the owner picking up their dog, if you state your dog is not a “pit bull”, the pound must release your dog. The only time the pound would not is if your dog has an aggressive past, such as a bite history or history of another aggressive manner.
If you DO have a dog that falls under the current iteration of DOLA, you make the simple statement to the pound: “my dog is NOT a "pit bull" as defined under the current act”. Then, you contest their opinion (and yes it’s just their opinion) that your dog is a “pit bull”.
You will have 4 months to contest this decision. When the dog is released, the owner must abide by a set of conditions, the most important being that the dog must be muzzled and leashed in public unless it is in a secure fenced yard and it must be muzzled and leashed while being transported in a vehicle unless it is in a secure crate. It can only be transported to a veterinarian, nowhere else. What you DO need to ensure your dog is in your full control and secure possession at all times. In the event 4 months passes and the pound advises they are challenging your statement, advise the pound you will be taking legal action against them. Until your case is brought before a judge, your dog remains in your home, in your full custody.
So what does this mean? Means no more bully’s held at length in cages while the shelter tries to prove their visual identification is correct; no more pound fees; no delays during a court process; and no more sleepless nights missing your dog.
Premier Ford deserves HUGE kudos for this amendment to the Animals for Research Act, which in turn includes DOLA. This is an amendment that bully breeds of Ontario needed, not an amendment that hangs “pit bull” type dogs out to dry.
Ford has given his word that he will stay true to his promise of repeal. Until then, let’s support his incredibly logical decision, keep up the pressure in all media outlets, keep attending rally’s in support of Anti-BSL, keep up the pressure on our MPPs, and show the world how responsible we are as owners of the best dogs in the world!
As things progress the Ontario Coalition Against BSL will keep everyone updated. This fight is not over but is a great step in the right direction. This is not the end, however IS the beginning, and what we have been praying for for 16.5 years. Until full repeal is achieved (because BSL is NOT YET GONE), please continue to be the voice for the voiceless and TOGETHER, as an active Anti-BSL community, let’s #endbslontario!
#BSLFreeOnt
Link to official amendment: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r21735