New Brunswick Says No to Banning Certain Dog Breeds

[CyberKitten]

N.B. backs away from bill targetting certain dog breeds for control


Canadian Press


Thursday, November 18, 2004


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FREDERICTON (CP) - New Brunswick politicians have decided to get rid of references to specific breeds in proposed legislation to control dangerous dogs.

Kelly Lamrock, the opposition Liberal member who sponsored a bill to restrict breeds such as rottweilers, said Thursday public hearings have shown that approach would be unworkable and unfair.

Lamrock said he is considering replacing his proposed Restricted Dogs Act with a new Dog Owner Responsibility Act.

The Restricted Dogs Act was the subject of public hearings this week and virtually all of the people who appeared were opposed to forcing owners of such dogs as rottweilers, pit bulls and Japanese akitas to take special measures.

The measures included muzzling the dogs at all times in public and carrying $1 million in liability insurance.

Lamrock said he is willing to drop the elements of the act people oppose in favour of targetting irresponsible dog owners.

"There are basic principles that have to be part of any legislation," Lamrock said.

"It has to be province-wide, owners of dogs who attack have to be held liable and there have to be tough penalties for negligent owners."

Justice Minister Brad Green said the two days of public hearings proved there is no support for breed-specific legislation, but people do want more done to control dangerous animals.

"There is a great deal of common ground between government and opposition," Green said.

It is likely a new bill will be introduced during the next session of the legislature, which begins next month.

© The Canadian Press 2004
N

[mastifflover]

That is such great news if only the village idiot could be so level headed

[Akeeter]

N.B. isn't quite out of the woods yet, so keep writing those N.B. M.P.P.'s

[CyberKitten]

Actually, our legislators are called MLA's (Members of the Legislature). Each province is unique!

[Stewart]

Sounds to me like common sense may be prevailing here foks Good luck !

[mastifflover]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW BRUNSWICK REJECTS BSL
Corner Brook, Newfoundland - November 17, 2004 - The Dog Legislation
Council
of Canada ("DLCC") is delighted to announce that the Province of New
Brunswick
will not be enacting breed specific legislation.

The Province has chosen to pursue the proactive routes of:
- Penalizing irresponsible owners;
- Penalizing irresponsible breeders;
- Penalizing puppy mills and backyard breeders;
- Requiring spay or neuter of companion animals;
- Increasing fines for all infractions;
- Pursuing criminal charges and sentences for negligence or abuse;
- Requiring increased insurance for owners found guilty of negligence
or
abuse; and,
- Imposing a lifetime dog ownership ban on owners found guilty of
criminal
charges under the legislation.

LeeAnn O'Reilly, President of the DLCC, said, "We could not be more
delighted
with the Province's decision. The Government of New Brunswick has
proven
that it is a thoughtful, responsible government by closely examining
the issue of
the irresponsible dog owner, and consulting with canine experts and
agencies
for factual information, workable suggestions, and solutions. The
Government
of New Brunswick is now prepared to enact appropriate, enlightened
legislation."

"Clive Wilkinson, Cheryl Campbell, and the DLCC team of Dawne Deeley,
Janet
Chernin, Pierre Schelling, Cathy Prothro and Katie Law made eloquent
factual
presentations, we could not be more proud of their efforts and the
result. We
are also honoured by the attention Mr. Kelly Lamrock gave this issue,
and his
willingness to hear the facts concerning breed specific legislation.
The DLCC
is honoured to have been asked to work with New Brunswick in
drafting the provincial legislation", said Ms. O'Reilly.

The DLCC is pleased to announce that Cheryl Campbell has accepted the
position of New Brunswick Director for the DLCC. The DLCC is
privileged to have a representative of Ms. Campbell's caliber in the
Province of New Brunswick.

The Dog Legislation Council of Canada ("DLCC") is a Canada-wide non- profit
organization dedicated to promoting responsible dog ownership,
assisting
provincial and municipal governments to develop effective licensing
and enforcement
legislation, and educating the public regarding dog bite prevention.
The DLCC
does not support any legislation that targets a breed instead of the
real
problem - the irresponsible owner. Its members are expected to abide
by and
promote the DLCC Code of Ethics.

The DLCC is a proud member of the Banned Aid Legal Defense Fund -
www.bannedaid.com.
Contact: president@doglegislationcouncilcanada.org or
vicepresident@doglegislationcouncilcanada.org.
Website: http://www.doglegislationcouncilcanada.org/