News Release

For Immediate Release
March 31, 2005

Effective Date Is August 29, 2005; Followed By 60-Day Transition Period

TORONTO — Ontario's pit bull ban and other amendments to the Dog Owners Liability Act aimed at keeping communities safer from all dangerous dogs will go into effect on August 29, 2005, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"I'm proud of our legislation to ban pit bulls and make dog owners more responsible for the actions of their dogs," said Bryant. "At the same time, we're sympathetic to the needs of municipalities and dog owners, so we are providing a phase-in period for everyone to get ready for the new requirements."

There will be a 60-day transition period that follows the August 29, 2005 effective date. Owners of existing pit bulls will be required to have them spayed or neutered, leashed and muzzled while in public, and must comply with any additional requirements set by municipalities. The length of time to prepare for the new requirements was established in response to advice from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the City of Toronto and the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA).

The new legislation contains a "grandfathering clause" which allows existing pit bulls owned in Ontario before the legislation becomes effective, and pit bulls born in Ontario within 90 days of the day that the legislation becomes effective, to be considered "grandfathered" or restricted pit bulls, as long as they comply with the legislation and its regulations.

The new legislation increases fines to a maximum of $10,000 and allows for jail sentences of up to six months for individuals who own dangerous dogs that bite, attack or pose a threat. It also allows fines up to a maximum of $60,000 for corporations who own such dogs. In addition, it allows a judge to order restitution to be paid in relation to an offence. These increased fines will go to municipalities. Further information can be found at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca.

"We are protecting Ontarians not only from these dangerous dogs, but from irresponsible owners," said Bryant. "These measures will make our communities safer for all Ontarians."

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