With the passing of the second reading of Bill 16—an Act intended to abolish the breed-specific section of the Dog Owners' Liability Act (DOLA), enacted August 29, 2005—there is still much work to be done in terms of the Bill making its way toward third reading. The Bill, supported by MPP Randy Hillier (PC), MPP Cheri DiNovo (NDP) and MPP Kim Craitor (LIB), has now been referred to the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills.

As only the Liberal Minority Government can call a Bill for Third Reading, it is crucial that you call or contact your local MPP, especially if they are a Liberal, and let them know that you want Bill 16 brought forward for Third Reading.

As MPP Randy Hillier reminds us on his Riding Association’s website www.bringbackthebulls.com, “we are in a minority government situation, where the opposition Members outnumber the government. This means when the House Leaders of the three parties get together, there is a significant probability that as the opposition parties, we will be able to convince the Liberals to call Bill 16 for a Third Reading, or they risk exposing themselves to a possible vote of non-confidence on their own government bills later.”

There is still time to influence the upcoming vote.
Know that your phone calls and emails can collectively make a difference!

Thanks to all who have shown their support for Bill 16 since it was first introduced by MPP Randy Hillier, November 30, 2011. Let’s continue to see the challenge through, with a view to permanently removing Breed Specific Legislation from Ontario!

The CKC would also like to thank the Dog Legislation Council of Canada for their passion, relentless commitment to eliminating breed specific legislation, the necessary pursuit of legal funding and—for carrying the torch for so many years to further the promotion of responsible dog ownership. The CKC, our members and the canine community at large, truly appreciate your efforts! The CKC, our members and the canine community at large, truly appreciate your efforts!

We cannot stress enough that CKC opposes Breed Specific Legislation and as stated in its official BSL Legislative Policy, "supports dangerous and/or vicious dog legislation, which would serve to protect the public from dangerous dogs." CKC maintains that "a dangerous temperament is a product of many factors" and cannot be determined by breed alone.