Unfortunately, Pitbulls have been involved in some instances of dog aggression in the past – and that is why Pitbulls are banned in some countries. In this article, we will talk about the legality of Pitbulls in Ontario.
Are Pitbulls Illegal in Ontario
Pitbulls are banned in Ontario. Since the government passed breed-specific laws in 2005, it is illegal to own, breed, or import Pitbulls into Ontario. This legislation was intended to increase public safety and lessen dog-related occurrences. Therefore, under the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, Ontarians are typically prohibited from having or breeding pit bulls and are subject to harsher penalties for dog bites and assaults if their dog is categorized as a Pitbull.
Why Aren’t Pitbulls Allowed in Ontario?
Pit bulls were banned in Ontario in 2005 after two of them attacked a man in Toronto. Many dog lovers were upset by the ban because they felt that it penalized canines rather than their owners. Disagreements and discussions have been sparked by the Ontario Pitbull Ban in the region.
Others argue that responsible ownership, appropriate training, and addressing the underlying causes of dog-related events would be more helpful in guaranteeing public safety than those who support the ban as a necessary precaution.
Also Read Are Pitbulls Illegal in Canada?
Is the Pitbull Ban Lifted in Ontario?
The ban is somewhat modified now – because the Dog Owners’ Liability Act, which is now in effect, allows for the seizure of any dog that resembles a pit bull. Due of this, many non-pit bull dogs have been seized from their owners and put in holding facilities despite the fact that they never exhibited aggressive behavior.
Animal control officials have historically been able to hold any dog at any time based only on their assumption that it is either a purebred or mixed breed pit bull. It prompted a significant outcry from the public, and as a result they eased the ban.
What Pitbull Breeds are Banned in Ontario?
Pitbulls are categorised by the law as Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, or any canine that resembles these breeds in significant ways. So, it’s not just purebred Pitbulls but also mixed breeds that resemble them that fall under the ban.
The government believed that it’s a necessary measure to prevent potential risks associated with certain breeds – therefore, they thought it wise to target specific breeds to help address the issue.
Can I Own a Pitbull Mix in Ontario?
Absolutely! So, the situation with owning a Pitbull mix in Ontario is a bit interesting. While there is a ban on purebred Pitbulls in the province, owning a Pitbull mix is generally permitted. The breed-specific legislation specifically targets purebred Pitbulls and dogs that closely resemble them. If your dog is a mix of Pitbull and another breed, and it doesn’t predominantly exhibit the physical characteristics of a Pitbull, you should be able to own it without any issues
Read Are Pitbulls Illegal in the UK?
What Happens if You Get Caught With a Pitbull in Ontario?
A pit bull cannot be owned, bred, transferred, abandoned, imported, or trained in accordance with the Act, with the exception of a few restricted situations (such as dog exhibitions). That being said, anyone discovered in violation of this provision may be found guilty of an offence under the Act, be subject to a fine of $10,000 ($60,000 if the offender is a corporate entity), or serve up to six months in jail.
Therefore, it is advised to look for another dog as a pet rather than a Pitbull because that might get you in trouble.
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