[Toronto filter] Realities of BSL and Pit Bulls?

February 10, 2014 5:49 PM

What does Ontario's breed specific legislation look like in reality for (non-grandfathered) 'pit bull' owners? How strict is this law? Please tell me your real-life experiences here.

Hello Torontonians! I have a wonderful dog who falls under the pit bull catch-all term. She's a cross-breed whose paperwork all says variations of Staffie-cross. Some folks say they "see the pit bull", others swear they can't see it. I have an interest in living in Toronto. Obvious conflict here, because the dog and I are a package deal.

My question to Torontonians: What does this legislation look like on the ground? Do you know people with non-grandfathered 'pit bulls'? Please tell me your real-life experiences here.

posted by tamarack to Pets & Animals (2 answers total)

It is a provincial ban, not just Toronto. I know people with pit bulls that are younger than 6 years so there does not seem to be a mass scoop-up of them. I think most seizers (sp? I can't figure the right one) are complaint based; you can minimize complaints by not looking threatening yourself and not using a studded collar on the dog. If the dog is seized there is the option to release it to an out of province rescue group (and I assume, a person too) so it isn't like the dog is immediately put down.

You may have difficult renting however. Once you have signed a lease you can't be kicked out for having a dog (unless the landlord makes the argument the dog is a threat) but they can refuse to rent to you for having a dog. If you don't tell them you have a dog though, and sign the lease they may pull out the pit bull card. So I would recommend a small-time landlord, disclosing the dog, and making some kind of assurance there will be no damage (pet deposits or pet rent is illegal as far as I know).
posted by saucysault at 7:18 PM on February 10, 2014 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: thanks for the feedback, folks.

@saucysault appreciate knowing there are some folks with pitties, and i didn't know about the release out-of-province. very interesting, and good to hear.

@Dasein yep, i realise it is illegal. i didn't know about the vet issue, though. good point. regarding your other comments, if you "like dogs" i urge you to take some time to read more fully about pit bulls -- it may affect your beliefs. these breeds are regularly tempered dogs, not monsters. i can tell you anecdotally that my dog is lovely, and the data can tell you that it breed bans are a false solution to a problem of bad owners and circumstances.

to clarify: thread prompted by ongoing frustration that i can't go to the grad school i would like because of this faulty legislation. was just wondering if it went unenforced, but sounds like no. overall tragic law. sighs.
posted by tamarack at 12:07 PM on February 12, 2014 [1 favorite]