From a volunteer perspective, this is, without doubt, one of the most contentious issues.
I was surprised to learn that according to THS lawyers, the REASON why our illegal pits have been refused permission to leave for safe haven in rescues found for them is that TORONTO ANIMAL SERVICES has to sign off to permit them to leave! And, has to date, refused to do so!
This is the first time I have heard this and I would be curious to know the reasoning that allowed two of our pits to go to New Brunswick (where within weeks, they found loving homes) did not extend to the balance of our illegal pits that were supposed to go to Ohio.
I reiterate that I did find it offensive that the designation “dangerous” was consistently and implicitly linked with the term “illegal” when one has NOTHING to do with the other.
In a later conversation after the meeting with one of the lawyers, it was worrisome that he singled out Tiger in particular as a problem. In that he feels Tiger’s ‘biting history’ makes it probable there will be “potential legal ramifications”. First, I want to state categorically, Tiger is NOT a dangerous dog. Tiger is NOT a biter. The ONE bite he gave to a NEW volunteer was without question, due to the inexperience, provoking and stupid behaviour of that VOLUNTEER – who despite Tiger giving her warning after warning that she was provoking him, ignored the signals and continued her inappropriate, unprofessional behaviour.
This is most definitely an issue, we as a volunteer group, MUST keep in the public eye and continue to pursue. Our illegal pit bulls deserve a chance to live a full, healthy and loving life.
Finally, on a positive note, some of the pit bulls formerly designed illegal, have had papers found which exonerate and “legalize” their status.
Princess (whose status was never in questin) is now up for adoption and the lawyer informed me that Crowe was cleared for legal status and adoption several days ago.
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ReplyDelete(Sorry, had an error in the previous comment)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm not too sure about that TAS excuse. It may be true but like you, it's also the first time I heard of it. My understanding was that the OSPCA's main concern which stopped one of the initial transfers out of province, was the stopover time in an Ontario residence. Marcie Laking, was one of the people responsible in getting that particular rescue to come in and look at the dogs and we were delighted when they agreed to take eight of them out east and then utterly disappointed when the OSPCA stepped in and prevented that from happening because of said stopovers.
Despite the fact that they had to follow the letter of the law with regards to that, the OSPCA has been receptive to other plans for getting at least a few more of the illegal Pit Bulls out. I don't want to say more until it happens because who knows if it'll happen but I've got my fingers crossed we can work something out.
Fred, they've told you more than they 've told us then. We (the volunteers) have offered to drive shifts so we don't have to stop, we've offered to sign waviers, pay for them ourselves, you name it. We've already written cheques (more than 20 of us) to the rescues to cover costs and have offered to cover the cost of transporting as well.
ReplyDelete2 did go to New Brunswick and within weeks found loving homes.
If TAS has to sign off, then I would be happy to contact that NB rescue and see if they could take any more.
The other thing we were told at Tuesday's meeting, not sure if you heard - is that an OSPCA officer would have to come along to clear them through the border. if that is the case, again, we would be driving and covering expenses, so I don't see that as an issue.
Could I ask you, Fred, to ask your friends at TAS if indeed they have to sign off before our dogs can go? And if so, have they been approached to do so?