Winnipeg proposes ending ban on pit bulls, introducing rules for doggy daycares

The City of Winnipeg is considering sweeping changes to itspet ownership bylaw, including ending a decades-long ban on pit bulls.

"It would be a huge relief to no longer be worried about people perceiving her as a dangerous dog or worried about people potentially reporting her as an illegal breed," said Hannah Beatty, who owns a four-year-old rescue dog named Juno.

The dog is listed on paper as being a bulldog mix but Beatty said she's always wondered if the dog has pit bull terrier genes.

Beatty, 24, has avoided getting the dog's genealogy tested out of fear Juno could be labelled an American pit bull terrier one of three breeds currently outlawed in Winnipeg's Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw.

The City of Winnipeg, which outlawed pit bulls in 1990 after a series of violent attacks, is asking for feedback on sweeping changes to its pet bylaw that would remove breed-specific bans and instead treat dogs based on their behaviour.

American pit bull terriers, Staffordshirebull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and mixes where those breeds are predominant are currently prohibited.

"If we want Winnipeg to be safer, we need to target irresponsible owners,"said Jane Olijnek, the founder of End Breed Specific Legislation Manitoba. She hasbeen fighting to end breed-specific legislation for over a decade.

"Targeting breeds does nothing to improve desired safety outcomes."

Olijneksaid there have been several attacks byother breeds that aren't banned in recent years.

"This has been an archaic law that's been targeting dogs unfairly in Winnipeg for 31 years."

The proposed changes to the bylaw would also ban outdoor 24/7 guard dogs, prohibit dogs and cats from being left alone in cars when certain temperatures are reached and require breeders to have permits.

Another change to the bylaws wouldintroduce rules for doggy daycares, which have made headlines followingincidents that left beloved four-legged friends dead.

Other proposed changeswould expand the list of exotic animals that are prohibited and require owners to spay or neuter their pets,with some exceptions.

The proposal also raises the possibility ofa ban onfeeding wildlife like deer and raccoons, to reduce conflict between people and wildlife in the city.

Reptiles unfairly targeted: association

But the proposed changes are already facing opposition fromCanHerp,an association of reptile and amphibian keepers.

Grant Crossman, the association's executive director, said thelist of allowed exotic animals under the proposed changes would exclude the vast majority of specialty pets.

He says during the COVID-19 pandemic, many families turned to pet retailers to find animalsfor comfort and companionship.

"The consideration that Winnipeg is negotiating the banning of many of these specialty pets during these times adds to the mental and emotional breaking point of many Winnipeg families," he said in an email.

The city's general manager of animal services said the proposed changes are meant to balancepublic safety and animal welfare.

"We're trying to make Winnipeg more humane and more safe for both people and animals," said Leland Gordon, who encourages Winnipeggers to weigh in on the proposals through the city's website.

"I think the majority of Winnipeggers will be proud of the work that our team is doing and we look forward to working with the community on these ideas."

If the proposed changesare approved by city council, the amendments would come into force next year.

Winnipeg proposes ending ban on pit bulls

3 years ago

Duration 2:21

The City of Winnipeg is considering sweeping changes to its pet ownership bylaw, including ending a decades-long ban on pit bulls.