Following the passing of the second reading of private members’ Bill 16, An Act to amend the Animals for Research Act and the Dog Owners' Liability Act, with respect to pit bulls, the Bill continues to move through the Ontario legislative process with two days of public hearings—the first day of which took place on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

To reinforce The Canadian Kennel Club’s official opposition to breed specific legislation (BSL) and support of Bill 16, CKC Manager of Marketing and Communications, Sonny Allinson, presented to The Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills on day one of the hearings—stressing the Club’s unwavering stance against BSL in favour of dangerous dog legislation. Mr. Allinson maintained that, “CKC supports dangerous and/or vicious dog legislation in order to provide the most appropriate protection for the general public and the innocent dog owner and the dog.”

To view the CKC Presentation, along with all depositions, simply click here. You may also view the transcript from this hearing via the Ontario Legislative Assembly website at www.ontla.on.ca.

The second day of hearings is scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, 2012. To follow the procedures online as the hearing takes place, be sure to catch the Live House Webcast on April 25, 2012 beginning at 8:00 a.m. until 10:25 a.m. Toronto time.

Bill 16, introduced by MPP Randy Hillier, Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington, and the current public hearings are “an important step in the effort to repeal this unjust legislation,” said Mr. Hillier “and I'm seeking your participation.” “Together we can make change,” continued Mr. Hillier.

How You Can Help Support the Passing of Bill 16:
To show your support for Bill 16, please comment as part of the public hearings by sending a written submission to the Clerk of the Committee , Tamara Pomanski, Room 1405, Whitney Block, Queen's Park, Toronto, ON  M7A 1A2, or email tamara_pomanski@ontla.ola.org by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.

To view details of the official CKC policies regarding breed specific legislation and responsible dog ownership, please click here.