Ontario Pit Bull Ban Greatly Reduces Bite Count

Pit Bull Bites Drop
Toronto, CA - Since the Ontario Dog Owners' Liability Act took effect on Aug. 29, 2005, which bans the breeding, sale and ownership of pit bulls in the province of Ontario, reports of bites by pit bulls in Toronto have dropped dramatically. In 2004, there were 130 reports of pit bull bites. The numbers decreased greatly in subsequent years: 71 in 2005; 53 in 2006; and 44 in 2007.

Concern about pit bull attacks prompted the Ontario government to target pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and any other dog that possesses the physical characteristics of them. Existing owners could keep their dogs with restrictions including: mandatory sterilization and muzzled when off property.

Of the 722 pit bull type dogs that have been destroyed since the ban, 297 were euthanized because they lacked an owner; 188 due to behavioral problems; 12 due to court order; 42 due to illness and injury; and 183 upon request of their owner. Over time, as banned canines that fall under the pit bull label grow old and die, the targeted breeds will diminish in the community.

Related articles:
07/15/09: Canada Supreme Court Upholds Ontario's Pit Bull Ban: Rules Ban is Constitutional
10/24/08: Ontario Court Of Appeals Upholds Province's Pit Bull Ban

Labels: Canada, pit bull ban, statistics