In January, CKC provided members with an
update regarding proposed amendments to Toronto animal control bylaw
Chapter 349, Animals and included the results of a City survey in which Toronto CKC members and other local groups were invited to participate during the consultation process.
Most recently, CKC learned that an additional amendment was added to the bylaw and included a ban on choke collars, choke chains and prong collars—integral and effective tools used responsibly by dog exhibitors, trainers and evaluators.
Despite the fact that the survey results showed that 55% of respondents disagreed with a complete ban on these collars, and despite a City staff report recommending a ban on such collars for tethering purposes only, the move to an outright ban was later made by Council.
As you can imagine, CKC is extremely disappointed by this recent decision that clearly does not represent the voice of our members and the many Toronto dog owners.
While we applaud the efforts of the City to strengthen its animal control bylaw, particularly where dangerous dogs are concerned, we think the decision to ban these collars is misguided and falls short of its intent to target irresponsible dog owners.
CKC would like to set the record straight and will be contacting members of Council in an effort to overturn the ban, in support of caring and responsible dog owners and their dogs.