The Dog Legislation Council of
Canada (DLCC) was formed in 2003, is a not for profit group
counting among its members experienced, ethical and
responsible dog enthusiasts nationwide.
The DLCC is
Canada's first and most unique collaborative efforts of
rescue volunteers, veterinarians, owners, dog trainers,
breeders and handlers to promote responsible ownership of
all dogs.
The
objectives of the council are two fold:
First is the
promotion and support of responsible dog ownership. This
includes child dog safety programs, bite free programs for
adults working in proximity of dogs (police, post office)
and working with dog owners one on one.
Second is to
encourage and foster the implementation of non-breed
specific dangerous dog by-laws. Non-breed specific dangerous
dog by-laws designate dogs as 'dangerous' based on
behaviour rather than breed. These by-laws allow for
more efficient animal control without pointlessly punishing
responsible dog owners. They address concerns with dog
aggression and recognize the role of human negligence behind
most incidents.
We believe
that this provides greater flexibility for municipalities to
address negligent dog owners while not penalizing
responsible owners for their personal choice in breed.
The DLCC
supports the implementation and enforcement of
zero-tolerance dog licensing, zero-tolerance leash laws, and
heavy fines for non-compliance.
We support
financial repercussions
for those owners whose dogs, when not in compliance with
existing laws, cause injury to a human being or to another
animal.
It is time
irresponsible dog owners faced real consequences. For far
too long, a person whose dog(s) mauls someone is subject to
insignificant penalties, such as a fine or an order to
confine or destroy them.
We believe in
significant repercussions, both financial and criminal, to
dog owners who, in the opinion of a judge, could reasonably
forsee the occurrence of an injury based on the previous
behaviour or previous multiple infractions of existing laws.
We suggest
the implementation of the thirty-six recommendations from
the inquest into the 1998 death of eight-year-old
Courtney Trempe of Stouffville, Ontario.
We suggest
the province implement the recommendations from the inquest
into the 2003 death of four-year-old
James Waddell of New Brunswick.
We suggest
that, as soon as possible, the province implement the
recommendations from the "Community Approach to Dog Bite
Prevention" report by the American Veterinary Medical
Association's Task Force on Canine Aggression.
You also may
not be aware that breed-specific legislation has been
rejected by every major dog organization in North America.
Most of which have boards and memberships filled with people
whose lives have been dedicated to understanding dog
behaviour, have publicly stated that they do NOT support
breed-specific legislation and that they do NOT believe that
it works.
Members are
expected to offer support and assistance to the DLCC in its
activities designed to lower dog bite incidents and promote
responsible ownership. Members are also expected to be
familiar with and agree to abide by the
Dog Legislation Council of Canada's Code of Ethics and
our
Mission Statement
Are you
wondering why Breed Specific Legislation concerns you? Or
should you even be concerned?
Find out why here |
