Pit bulls marked for death

BRAMPTON -- Rambo and Brittany may end up on doggie death row unless their owners quickly prove they aren't pit bulls.

Maria Gaspar and Joseph Branco have been fearing the worst since Brampton Animal Services seized the siblings from different residences on Jan. 13 for violating the province's pit-bull ban.

The owners argued Wednesday the two-year-old dogs are actually 75% boxer and 25% American bulldog, and the city had no right to snatch them.

"We stand by the fact that the dogs are boxer mixes," said Rui Branco, 42, whose brother owns Brittany and her parents, Jersey and Tyson.

"There was no warrant, no complaints or abuse complaints. The city has been stonewalling us. We got a letter a day ago from the city ... certifying Brittany as a pit bull."

Gaspar, 75, was in tears as she expressed concern for her beloved dog, Rambo.

"I just want my dog back," she said. "He didn't do anything to anybody."

But Animal Services said Joseph Branco had registered Tyson as a restricted pit bull in a 2008 licensing document, which means it's against the law for Tyson to have puppies.

"The father of these dogs from two different litters was registered as a restricted pit bull," city spokesman Mariam Mesbah said. "You have to have the dog neutered and microchipped, which was done, but we've since discovered the two dogs."

Pit bulls were banned in the province as of Nov. 29, 2005.

Rambo and Brittany's owners faced a Friday deadline to send the dogs to a province that accepts pit bulls. The city has since offered the owners an extension, Mesbah said.

"In light of the fact they've been granted an extension, (euthanasia of the dogs) wouldn't happen," Mesbah said.

Branco said the city has dismissed a document from the Campbell Veterinary Hospital in Brampton stating Tyson is an American bulldog and a boxer.

Branco said his lawyer is trying to get more documentation from the city that proves Tyson is a pit bull.

"I have no idea how the city registered Tyson, the father, as a pit bull and I have no idea what led them here," Branco said. "Their excuse for being at our door was to collect the licence fee. The bylaw officer said, 'I'm going to hunt (Tyson's pups) down, one by one.' "

A Facebook group, "Injustice Brampton Dogs on Death Row -- Free Them Now," urging the release of the dogs has had more than 2,600 members sign a petition.

JENNY.YUEN@SUNMEDIA.CA

Pit bulls marked for death - Canada - Canoe.ca

 

I'm proud to be a Canadian but am mortified to be an Ontarian. With the amount of Puppy Mills, Back Yard Breeders and Animal Abusers in this province, you would think Animal Control/Humane Society/SPCA would have more pressing matters to attend to than taking peoples pets that have done no wrong and are well cared for! I am ashamed of our Provincial Government and the Millions they have spent of our tax dollars in regards to this Law that promotes working towards the extinction of a "breed" of dog.

Shame on you McGuinty and your Liberal caucus.

 

Re: Pit bulls marked for death : Update

UPDATE:

So 2.5 days ago , we decided we were going to protest Brampton A.S. So Today Tex and I decided to bare the cold (Probally the coldest day we have had this year) along with atleast 150 other people(not bad for being set up in 2.5 days!!). Including one MPP (who has put forth Bill-222 to have the ban repealed. And the Owner of a Bull terrier) And one man who is going to be running for Mayor.

Brampton A.S. barricaded the shelter , Closed it down and hired security and had police driving by in unmarked cars.

There were ALOT of people there who have had their dogs taken away by this AC facility, They are targeting seniors and familys.
The media was ALL over it, I think we had about 5 different news-casts come out. With Tex being the only "pit bull" there (lots of other breeds of dogs though)

The Media reports are just starting to come out now. Tex and I should be in the newspaper tomorrow as we were interviewed (I went to go warm him up and had a ton of people telling me thew media was looking for me.. great .. I can't speak publicly but sucked it up for this)

I will post the media reports as they come out (none have been posted on the internet yet, they have only been aired on the TV)

Hes a video that was taken by one of the ladies
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vLjk7Grktw[/ame]

and a couple of embarrassing pictures of Tex and I (Just remember . The media was there, he was the only dog that falls under Bill-132 . HE DOESN'T DRESS LIKE THIS ON A DAILY BASIS. I am not one of thoughs people. )








Trying to keep him warm while sitting

 

Good to see so many people made it out.

Public perception (which unfortunately counts more than empirical data) about Bill 132 and BSL is general is slowly starting to shift. I'm hoping that when the Liberals are replaced, Bill 132 will be modified to reflect the importance of responsible dog ownership and lose the breed specific aspects of it; or that it be discarded completely.

 

Tex And I!!

http://www.torontosun.com/news/2010/02/06/12773541.html

 

Though I was not there in body I was definately there in spirit. I have regained my hope. Awesome job guys! :cheerleader2: