Report looks at possible changes to Edmonton’s restricted breed rules

In recent years, there’s been a push to change the perception of pit bulls. Advocates argue pit bulls are not the vicious breed some believe them to be. The movement to change these dogs’ reputation could soon get some help from the City of Edmonton; with a change to legislation in the city’s animal control bylaw.

“They’re very friendly. They’re very family oriented,” says Tina Lenz, who is a pit bull owner, and president of “Pit Bulls for Life,” a not-for-profit foundation that finds homes for pit bulls.

The foundation is standing behind the push to change Edmonton’s Restricted Breed Legislation. The legislation places restrictions and conditions on owners of American and Bull Staffordshire Terrier breeds, as well as crossbreeds, which are pit bulls.

Under the current rules, the owner of a restricted dog must have liability insurance specifically covering any damages for personal injury in an amount of at least one million dollars. When off private property, a restricted dog must be under control, muzzled, and held on a leash less than two metres long. When it is on the owner’s property, the restricted dog must be either indoors, outside and secured in a fully enclosed pen, or outside and muzzled and secured by a chain attached to the property. Owners of restricted breeds also face higher pet licensing fees.

“It actually does more harm than good,” says Lenz, of the current rules. “There are so many owners of these dogs that shun themselves. They feel shunned and that they keep themselves out of the community, meaning, these dogs aren't getting proper behavior training. They don't take them to training classes."

A city administration report will be presented Tuesday. It recommends the definition of “restricted dog” no longer include specific breeds. Instead, the report recommends “restricted dogs” be animals that have a history of aggression. The Humane Society has been invited to express its thoughts on the report.

“We come with our viewpoint, and our view is quite strong that we think this is long overdue. It’s discriminatory,” says Shawna Randolph with the Edmonton Humane Society.

The report notes the number of dog bites in Calgary has gone down significantly during the last 15 years. That city has never had a breed-specific dog bylaw.
The report also suggests more Edmontonians attribute dog attacks to improper training, poor supervision, and irresponsible dog owners.

“It’s not the dogs, it’s the people,” says dog owner David Johnstone. “Well trained dogs are fine.”

“As a dog owner, I think it’s the responsibility of the owners to make sure that people are safe around them,” adds Jacqueline Cairo.

Lenz hopes a change in legislation will encourage more people to adopt pit bulls.

“We'll definitely have more foster homes in the Edmonton area and I hope that we have more people interested in adopting the breed for sure."

With files from Slav Kornik

View the full report below:

Report on restricting dogs by breed