Winnipeg rally calls for an end to pit bull ban, city won't bite

Holding signs with pictures of their canine companions, a group of people walked to Winnipeg City Hall Friday morning calling for an end to the city's pit bull ban.

The dogs have not been allowedin the city for more than 25 years when council moved to ban the breed along with StaffordshireBull Terrier and American StaffordshireTerrier breeds.

• Pit bull fans want Winnipeg to repeal ban on the breed

The group said dog-specific legislation doesn't prevent dangerous dogs.

Jessa Page said there are better alternatives to breed specific legislation.

"We should not ban pit bulls, we should be targeting aggressive dogs and bad owners," she said.

During the rally, hundreds of people signed a petition asking the city to remove the ban. Alicia Hall said the petition will be given to the mayor during a meeting in about two months.

"[Our goal is] to end the breed specific law and of course strengthen the dangerous dog act," she said.

The group walked from the MTS Centre to City Hall.

City councillor Mike Pagtakhansaid despite the group's efforts, the city has no plans to change the by-law and allow the breed.

He said in the United States,many pitbulls end up in shelters and are considered one of the most abused breeds in the world.

He said the ban protects dogs from "irresponsible" owners and citizens from a breed that "has a history of attacking people."