It was a month ago when Montreal police said a 55-year-old woman had been killed by what was described as a pit bull. Their province now prepares for a possible pit bull ban, leaving rescues and shelters across Quebec bracing for a wave of “Dangerous Dogs.”
“Dangerous Dog” is the official term used by many municipalities across Canada, which can then be defined at their own discretion.
Two-year-old Tyson was listed as a Rottweiler Labrador mix when he was taken off the streets as a stray in Quebec. He was then put on death row.
“No one was taking any interest in him, because of his look, especially his head, that he has a pit bull sort of appearance. They were going to euthanize him but reached out to a group in Quebec asking if they could do anything for him,” explains John Claggett, his current foster owner.
The Quebec group , One Last Chance Animal Rescue Team (OLCART) consists of three volunteers who work to save animals from death row. They do not adopt out animals directly, but they do connect animals with rescues across Canada, who can foster and find homes for them.
OLCART says five of their 20 current dogs are listed as pit bulls. When Tyson’s story was posted, it was Prairie Sky Dog Rescue who was the best match, and with assistance from West Jet he made his way to Regina one week ago.
Claggett described Tyson as being thin due to lack of resources at many municipal pounds.
“Oh he was just pure ribs and everything just showed and it was almost disgusting … he probably had about three days or less left.” Claggett said.
When taken to a veterinarian in the Regina area, Tysons description as Rottweiler Labrador mix was questioned. As with many strays their true breed is often unknown.
Although Tyson made a cross county move, his new foster owner doubts his ability to be aggressive.
“He is a big suck for the most part… we have yet to see him do anything aggressive really, he hasn’t even barked yet as a dog, and he’s been here for a week,” Claggett said.
Just like people, not all dogs are the same nor can they be generalized, described Claggett.
OLCART will be also be sending official pit bull-crossbreed Molly to Regina Thursday evening. Prairie Sky Dog Rescue also agreed to foster and find Molly a home after her loving family decided to surrender her when they were unable to receive home insurance in Quebec, reportedly due to owning a “dangerous breed.”
The Montreal SPCA has publicly asked the government not to make breed specific legislation. However, they have praised the City of Laval for “deciding on effective dangerous dog legislation,” which focuses on owner responsibility.
The Province of Quebec has not yet made an official decision on banning any breeds. Ontario has had a province wide ban on pit bulls since 2005.
The Town of Biggar, Sk has breed specific legislation and their description of a’ dangerous dog’ includes “American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Boxer or any dog of mixed breeding which can be identified through its physical characteristics.”
The Town of Moosomin defines a “Dangerous Dog” according to Bylaw No. 2005 -10 A bylaw to prohibit the keeping of dangerous dogs as “any Rottweiler, Pit Bull, Doberman Pinscher, or any dog of these mixed breeds.”