In 1995, the County of Guysborough, Nova Scotia passed breed specific legislation against Pit Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers; Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and any mixed breed dogs of the aforementioned breeds. There was little, if any, public input prior to enacting the ban. They failed to notify the public and the owners of these dogs, and they failed to grandfather in any of these dogs. In 2004, they added Rottweilers to the list of banned breeds but included a grandfather clause for them.

In response to a formal request by the DLCC, no evidence has been provided, to date, indicating that any of the breeds banned have actually been responsible for any bites to humans in this community.

The DLCC recently learned of a family in Guysborough County that has been caught in this unfair bylaw and now their beloved Zeus’ life hangs in the balance.

Zeus is a "pit bull" type dog. As a puppy, Zeus was rescued by a local shelter and then adopted by a young man, who was either unable or unwilling to be a responsible owner. His parents, the Camerons, assumed their son's responsibility and Zeus was welcomed into their home, where he has lived without incident for the last 13 years. Zeus has grown old and is ailing but, to this day, he peacefully sleeps at his owners' feet each night. He is completely unaware that his fate lies in the hands of a Council that lacks compassion and is pursuing a euthanasia order.

The Cameron family is already battling many demons. Mr. Cameron is undergoing chemotherapy and is recovering from throat cancer. Mrs. Cameron works outside the community to support the family. Zeus is Mr. Cameron’s companion while she is away. The family is grieving the loss of a cherished 17 year-old canine companion that they gently put to sleep a short time ago.

Recently, their nightmare got worse. At a court appearance in this matter, the Cameron’s were blind-sided with the news that Council has identified their 8-month old Lab/Hound cross, Sandy, as a “pit bull” and are seeking to seize that dog as well.

Under the current law, the Cameron’s have two options, move both dogs out of Guysborough County or surrender them for euthanasia. In Zeus’ case, his family state that either way he will die. Zeus suffers from a medical condition that is exacerbated by stress and moving him would surely cause his death. Sandy, on the other hand, is not a “pit bull”. So, the Camerons are standing their ground and they will fight.

Councillor Bradley MacLeod is one of the few Guysborough County representatives who supports the Cameron's. He states, "I'm backing these folks. My dog is 13 and if I had to get rid of him, I'd be fighting too." MacLeod has tried to get an amendment to the existing dog control by-law to include a grandfather clause for Pit Bulls but has not been successful. You can contact Counciller MacLeod HERE or you can phone him at home at 902-328-2006.

The Camerons have retained legal counsel and are preparing to defend the right to keep their dogs. Mrs. Cameron is prepared to go to jail if need be. At the request of the Dog Legislation Council of Canada, the Camerons have set up a legal defence account at their local bank. Should you wish to help this family, you may do so by sending a contribution care of the following:

The Cameron family thanks each and every person for their past and future support. To voice your concerns regarding this mater, please contact the members of the Guysborough Council.

For ease of reference, you may contact Warden Hines HERE or Mark Gosbee, Animal Control Officer HERE You may also write, call or fax the Municipality of Guysborough at the following coordinates:

Some articles that have been written about the Camerons' and their situation

Fighting for Zeus: Pit Bull Pet May Get Kicked out of County

UPDATE JUNE 7th
The Cameron family were summoned to court today.Mr and Mrs Cameron appeared in front of a judge and were devastated to find out that they are being charged with:

--harbouring a dangerous and vicious dog (aka Zeus)
--harbouring another " pit bull" by the name of "Sandy" who in no way resembles any of the bull terrier breed

To date the family has no legal council as they do not have sufficient funds to pay the required retainer fees.

The Public is invited to attend meetings of Guysborough Municipal council which are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

June 8, 2005 -- RALLY FOR ZEUS AND SANDY ,THE CAMERON'S DOGS
Please attend if you can!!

It should be noted that the DLCC does not condone the fact that these owners failed to register their dogs but does support the effort to allow Zeus to live his final days in peace and correct the erroneous identification of Sandy as a “pit bull”. This family has done nothing so wrong that they should have to rehome their dogs or worse surrender them for destruction. In other words, the DLCC is asking that the Guysborough Council show compassion and amend the bylaws to grandfather existing dogs