We all know that Buffalo is the city of good neighbors, but did you also know that Buffalo has some of the most passionate animal rescue volunteers on the planet?
Well, now you do.
From Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue to SPCA of Niagara, Buffalo C.A.R.E.S and more, there are an amazing amount of people that care for our four legged friends no matter what shape, size, color, or type of animal and that includes pit bulls.
What is a pit bull? Is it a lovable, furry, kind, slobbery, silly, playful, big headed ball of love? Because that’s what comes to mind when I think of the many pit bulls I’ve met at the SPCA of Niagara. However, Montreal politicians have a different way of thinking.
They’ve recently enacted legislation that would euthanize any dog that comes into the shelter that is considered a pit bull. While Buffalo animal organizations do their best every day to find these breeds a good, loving home, Montreal politicians have decided that it’s easier to end their lives. They’ve also banned the breed entirely. Breeds banned from Montreal are the American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier and Staffordshire bull terriers. Current pit bull owners have to get a permit with the city and their dogs must wear muzzles in public. If the dog does not have a permit, it could be euthanized.
Several local animal rescue volunteers and shelter volunteers are saddened by this decision.
“Shame on the mayor of Montreal and the politicians who voted in favor of breed specific legislation or bsl. This decision is based off uneducated prejudice and will be the cause of thousands of innocent dogs being put to death through no fault of their own,” said Kate Glaser, rescue volunteer at Diamonds in the Ruff Animal Rescue. “In my time spent rescuing dogs from Diamonds in the Ruff, mainly pit bulls, I’ve learned the gentleness and trust they can exhibit, even if they’ve faced past abuse and neglect. It’s heartbreaking that the ignorance of a handful of politicians is now determining the fate of shelter dogs and even family pets.”
“I question if the lawmakers have ever met a pit bull because I am sure they would’ve found themselves laughing with joy as their faces were getting slobbered with pittie kisses. I used to think pit bulls and similar breeds were dangerous, but then I started volunteering at the shelter. That changed not only my vision of bully breeds, but my life, as I have two beautiful pitties,” said Stacy Rainey, volunteer at SPCA of Niagara.
“I thought about this quite a bit today as I was walking, playing with, and cuddling with some incredibly sweet, lovable, awesome, “pit bull-type” dogs today. It’s just despicable. Politically motivated legislation based on ignorance. My heart breaks not only for the dogs, but for those in danger of losing beloved companions. And how awful for shelter workers with pit bulls that are currently unadapted and will all be killed. This is truly shameful,” said Pat McMahon, volunteer at SPCA of Niagara.
“The decision for Montreal to implement Breed Specific Legislation is not based on statistics or science or even common sense. From what I understand, Ontario implemented BSL more than 10 years ago and although it has accounted for less pit bull type dog bites because it directly correlates to the reduction in the number of pit bull type dogs in the province, there has not been a considerable reduction in the total number of dog bites. Instead of implementing legislation with less than proven results, money would be better spent on educating the public on proper ways to interact with dogs, stressing the importance of supervising children around dogs and of training and socializing dogs. I take a very realistic stance on pit bull advocacy- in the middle of two extremes. On one side, we have the fear mongers who would love to see these dogs become extinct. On the other, activists who blame every dog bite on humans and the way dogs are raised: those who believe no dog is ever born aggressive. I believe some are taught to be aggressive. Others learn it out of necessity because of abusive owners or they were never properly socialized while others do have a natural propensity- they were just born that way. This is not exclusive to pit bulls type dogs. It applies to all dogs across the board. As a pit bull guardian of two bouncy, loving girls, I campaign for responsible ownership and advocacy. Part of being a responsible owner means properly socializing your dog, supervising him around children and not allowing him to be a public menace. When a dog is aggressive, I call it aggressive and do not advocate placing an aggressive dog into the public without significant rehabilitation. In this respect, I think activists have done just as much damage to this “breed” as the would-be extinctionists. Both have helped to perpetuate the breed’s bad name; both by their inability to separate myth from fact. In order to save the breed, we must be responsible about our dogs and do everything within our power to raise and harbor stable dogs and to interact with them safely. After all, it would be a sad day indeed to see the last of this loyal, loving dog who is known for their goofy antics and their desire to please their owners. I don’t ever want the time to come when I can’t come home to at least one fat headed, smiling face,” said Amy Lewis, Director of the SPCA of Niagara.
But what can we do to help? Glaser says now is the time to speak up.
“Voice your opinion, stand up and say “this isn’t right” and reach out to your local rescue. Rescues only have until Oct. 3 to pull as many pit bulls from Montreal as they can. You can make a difference – foster, adopt or even donate towards transportation to save lives. Be a voice for the voiceless and a hero against the ugliness of this unfortunate and tragic situation.”
Visit www.change.org/p/montreal-mayor-montreal-please-reverse-your-decision-to-ban-pitbulls to sign a petition to reverse the decision to ban pit bulls in Montreal.
