When the Liberal majority government in the Province of Ontario suggested breed specific legislation as a measure to stop dog attacks in September 2004, the Golden Horseshoe APBTC immediately got involved in trying to change their minds.

Unfortunately, no matter who spoke, or who showed them proof positive evidence that BSL does not stop dog attacks, they went through with their majority vote and in March 2005, a new Dog Owner's Liability Act was voted into place.

August 29, 2005 the new law officially commenced effectively banning all American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, "pit bulls" and any dog with "substantially similar characteristics". Registered purebreds, cross breeds, mixes and mutts are all at risk.

Key points to the ban are:
--No importing after August 29, 2005
--No breeding
--All dogs must be spayed or neutered (there is an exception for registered purebreds who are active in show circuits, but there is still no breeding)
--All puppies born after November 28, 2005 must be immediately turned over to local animal control for one of three options. They must be moved out of province, sold to animal research or killed.
--All dogs must be leashed and muzzled when out of your own home, including your own unfenced yard
--Any violation of the law equals death for a banned dog!!

This law has made living in Ontario a challenge. No longer can we take our dogs on a relaxing evening walk, or work them for shows. Entering them in training classes has become prohibitive as most facilities are unsure of their legal obligations and have simply taken to refusing the breed for fear of getting fined. No breeding means a forced breed extinction for the registered purebreds.

During the fight against the province, we banded together with the American Staffordshire Terrier Club of Canada, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier Club of Canada, Advocates for the Underdog and the Dog Legislation Council of Canada to form the Banned Aid Coalition.

Collectively, we hired reknowned lawyer Clayton Ruby to challenge the provincial legislation. While Mr. Ruby is one of the best lawyers in the country, he is also quite expensive. Our legal bill is approaching $400,000 thanks to government initiated court delays and therefore fundraising is ongoing. Please visit our Donation page and the Banned Aid Coalition website to check out some of the unique items we have offered up for donation.

Should we win this legal challenge, it will set a precident across Canada denouncing breed specific legislation! Please help us continue the fight for the rights of responsible dog owners regardless of the breed they choose to own!