Friday, April 1, 2011

Liberal MPP David Zimmer claims the breed ban in Ontario is "old news"

The political parties have been hosting virtual town hall meetings via telephone. I actually listened in on one with my MPP a few months ago. They are a great way of connecting people without physically getting people "together". Basically you are called on your phone and you and several thousand other constituents listen in live to a Q and A, plus you are able to be put in queue and if chosen ask a question. 


A reader participated in a virtual town hall meeting with Liberal MPP David Zimmer (MPP for Willowdale) and Liberal MPP Kathleen Wynne (MPP for Don Valley West). 


Liz Sullivan (constituent in Don Valley West and Brindle Stick reader) was placed in queue chosen to ask the following question;


With the US Supreme Court ruling that pit bull bans are unconstitutional and where basically the Ontario Courts have come out calling the pit bull ban ABSURD & HARSH; yet thousands of dogs continue to be seized & destroyed based on looks along, while NOT PROVEN to be dangerous. SO knowing that you have received over a hundred thousand email asking you to repeal the ban, WILL you NOW support Hershey's Bill repealing the ban at this time?
According to Liz, the question seemed to take Zimmer back. She paraphrased his answer which came after a few silent breaks.. 

Zimmer's reply: 
These dogs are pit bulls and they are known to attack people! Now I know that we aren't hearing a lot about these attacks recently, but there are not many of them left. Pit bull attacks are down. The ban works. 
This is old news. People do not care about this issue anymore. They are more interested in questions about what is going on currently such as energy, economy, transportation...  


Here is a bit of David Zimmer background surrounding the topic of "old news" as he calls it.


The justification for bulldozing the legislation through in 2005 and stripping the rights of all dog owners in Ontario can be found from 2004 recorded in Hansard by Michael Bryant and David Zimmer. Remember the entire content is based on absolute propaganda! There is NO scientific evidence to prove any dog may be deemed dangerous based on breed and the word "pitbull" is not a breed. It is a slang term for a dog of unknown breed history.

Breed bans are based solely on targeting dogs on looks not behavior.



Committee hearings proved the Liberals were dead wrong with 86 of the 102 presentations consisting of experts from around the world, all speaking out AGAINST the ban. Countless jurisdictions have repealed breed bans based on solid research that they do nothing to stop dog attacks or increase public safety. The results of breed bans cause strife, stress, heartache and place innocent dog owners and dogs at risk of losing the family pet because of draconian beliefs. 


Hansard
 Mr David Zimmer (Willowdale): We have heard from the Attorney General on the tremendous public support for this piece of legislation. We've heard about the tremendous sense of need out there in the community for this legislation, we've heard about the detailed consultation process that the attorney's office has gone through in arriving at this legislation, and we've heard the attorney make the point very eloquently about the qualitative difference between pit bulls and other breeds of dogs. (There was never any proof put forth surrounding a supposed 5000 emails in favor of ban or any other support beyond victims. Most "support" was based on newspaper articles and skewed US stats which differ greatly from Canada. Evidence was presented that there is NO scientific basis that any of the purebred dogs are different than any other breed of dog/ the rarity of the purebreds less than 1000 dogs all breeds combined in the province and you cannot identify a cross bred dog.) 
We can't forget Zimmer's moronic comment at committee hearing;
Mr. Zimmer: Because they're qualitatively different in the danger when they attack people and/or other animals. They're just qualitatively different. 
Ms. Holmes: I have never, ever been attacked by a dog such as a pit bull type of breed. I have been bitten by a chihuahua, but we don't seem to be concerned about those. I've had a chow come at me; we're not concerned about those.
Mr. Zimmer: Did the chihuahua take your leg off?
Ms. Holmes: No, but he did draw blood.
Mr. Zimmer: So does a mosquito.
Lest we forget the OSPCA Act fiasco that was passed by the McGuinty Liberals. The Act has proven problematic and put far too much power in the hands of a private charity. 


So Zimmer thinks the breed ban is "old news" huh?


Well Mr. Zimmer I wonder if Rui Branco and his family or the Gaspar family feel this issue is old news. Maybe the Branco family feel it is old news that their front door was kicked in, their dog Brittany was seized and held for 6 months while thousands of dollars were spent in court fighting for Brittany and Rambo's lives! There were no complaints against either of the dogs. The Gaspar's dog was spotted standing on top of his dog house in his own fenced backyard by Brampton Animal Control. Brittany is a sibling to Rambo (Gaspar family dog) and both are offspring of the other Branco family dog (a purebred/registered Boxer).


I wonder if Danny Truong thinks the breed ban is old news after being reported for owning a "pitbull" while taking his dog Bowser (Rottweiler/Boxer) cross to be neutered? Danny spent 2 years in court and thousands of dollars on legal fees to save his dog's life. 


I wonder if Philip Huggins thinks the breed ban is old news? His dog Ginger, who was out for a walk with his mother, November 29th 2005 (leashed and muzzled) was savagely attacked by an off leash dog. Ginger's owner was charged with 3 counts under DOLA. The city of Toronto tried to make a deal that he would not face charges if he handed Ginger over to be killed. Philip decided to fight for Ginger. Ginger spent 3 1/2 years in the pound until high profile lawyer Clay Ruby took over Philip's case and found Ginger was being unlawfully held. The provincial government were intervenor's in the case. Those darn Liberals sure are hellbent on killing dogs! They have intervened in numerous court cases against dog owners in Ontario. Quite a way to spend taxpayers dollars..


But that is old news....


There have been thousands of dogs killed in Ontario not for behavior but simply because of how they look. Many of them have been puppies! They are being identified as "pitbulls" and killed before they even have a chance at life.


There have been 2 people killed by dog attacks in the province of Ontario since the ban took effect. Neither of them were classified as "banned" dogs.


Dog attacks have not decreased in Ontario since the ban. Bans do not work and they never will. 


The Ontario provincial election is coming up October 6th, 2010.


David Zimmer, you and the rest of the McGuinty Liberals are "old news"! Start packin'...


19 comments:

  1. AMAZING article. Eloquently written. Looks like liberals have lost the do lovers' vote, and that's significant in Ontario!!!

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  2. David Zimmer of Don Valley West-Willowdale said BSL is "OLD NEWS". Tell THAT to the MANY hundreds of people who paid unwarranted and unjust COURT FEES due to REVERSE ONUS defending UNOFFENDING pets AND the grieving families of THOUSANDS of innocent dogs taken away and KILLED based only on LOOKS because owner's didn't have the funds to fight.

    Zimmer was there when EVERY SINGLE credible organization that works with animals testifed again the ban and still spews out his fear mongroling and propaganda?

    Him and his keep talking about how these dogs maul babies ALL the time but never mentions that there has been 42 children killed by dog attacks and NOT a single one by ANY of the banned breeds or other "ss" dogs in the whole of Canada, since fatal dog attacks were documented FIFTY years ago, have been responsible for ANY of them. Liberals LIE while good dogs die.

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  3. I am so angered by the level of ignorance of these people who hold political power. They are prejudiced people and no better than those who are racist, sexist, or anyone else who discriminates against others.

    "Mr. Zimmer: Did the chihuahua take your leg off?"
    Um, I have NEVER heard of a pit bull taking someone's leg off. I have never heard of ANY dog taking someone's leg off. If he is not referring to a certain case in which this actually occurred then this comment is beyond absurd and ridiculous.


    "These dogs are pit bulls and they are known to attack people!"
    Many animals have been known to attack people for one reason or another. For example, I see no ban of bears, bulls, or house cats (I was attacked by one of my own this morning but I don't think he should be killed for it). Cars have been known to kill people, maim them, disfigure them for life. Car accidents can take out entire families in one fell swoop. They can hydroplane off the road and strike innocent pedestrians. Cars can ACTUALLY take your lake off! Alcohol can account for thousands if not millions of deaths every year. Cigarettes too. The only dog that ever attacked me was a Maltese. EVERY breed of dog has been known to attack people at some time or another. People are VERY well known for attacking other people too, perhaps she should take that into consideration. I'm sure that happens in her city every single day so how does she feel about the death penalty for everyone who ever attacks another person? I can only conclude that she would support it.

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  4. The ignorance displayed is stunning......Are they not embarrassed or completely deaf, dumb and blind?????
    Its so scarey when stupid people are in a position of power. They just throw their words out like spit on the ground...and people who don't know, and are looking and trusting them for guidance believe what they are saying......
    ITS NOT THE BREED.... BUT THE IDIOTS NOT TRAINING THEIR DOGS PROPERLY. THESE DOGS ARE INTENSE AND OF YOU ARE NOT TRAINING THEM INTELLIGENTLY AND RESPONSIBILY YOU SHOULD NOT BE ALOWWED THE HONOR OF OWNING ONE OF THESE PROUD, AMAZING ANIMALS.
    THEY ARE INCREDIBLY SMART AND TENACIOUS AND WILL TAKE ON THE DYNAMIC YOU ARE INSTILLING IN THEM .....GOOD OR BAD. IF YOU DON'T KNOW A LOT ABOUT DOGS YOU SHOULD NOT OWN ONE. AGAIN, ITS AN HONOR AND A RESPONSIBILITY TO TRAIN THEM AND ENSURE THEIR SUCCESS.........

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  5. Anonymous, I share your passion and sentiments about those who are voted into office. They are serving as public servants and the level of irresponsibility is unconscionable.
    To clarify your statements about "breed".. to be clear there is no breed that is "pitbull". Not sure which breed you are referring to but if you are referring to the purebreds there are so few of them (less than 1000 in Ontario combined) Most people have never met one. All dogs regardless of breed are products of training, socialization and environment. All dogs require a responsible owner and there is no scientific evidence to demonstrate that any dog breed is dangerous or that all dogs in a certain breed are generally alike. Just wanted to clarify that.. Hope we are on the same page.

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  6. Zimmer needs to be Zapped out of office come Oct 6th, 2011. When following a "party line" means more than adhering to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, it is time to GO. We didn't vote for these people to just blindly folow what some of their "pals" in office want and to ignore the experts. We want DUE DILLIGENCE and in this case there was NONE done by the Liberals.

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  7. PLZ Vote! dogs need us

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  8. My sister just left my home where two of her favorite dogs reside. She lives in Mr. Zimmerman's voting area and is a staunch voter. Hasn't missed one since she was 18! Guess who isn't getting her vote? You guessed right. Hopefully Mr. Zimmerman will be a voice from the past...old news! By the way, there are 3 registered voters in my sisters' home.

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  9. This guy is such an idiot. I will never forgive the Liberal party for this and will NEVER vote for them for the rest of my life!

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  10. Well, Mr. Zimmer, BSL may be old news to you but it is the main reason I will not be voting Liberal in the next provincial election (or the federal one, for that matter) and I have never even lived with a pit bull type dog.
    Your party's total lack of response to the OSPCA massacre in May 2010 isn't going to earn my vote either.

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  11. THE LIBERALS SUCK DUE TO THIS BAN MY DOG OF 4 YRS WAS TAKIN FROM ME .. ONE OF MY NEIGHBORS HAD AN ISSUE WITH ME AND BECAUSE OF THIS STUPID BAN THEY CALLED THE HUMANE SOCIETY,WERE THEY CAME AND TAKEN AND HELD UNTIL A SET FINE WAS PAY....DUE TO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AT THE TIME, SHE WAS PERMANENTLY TAKE FROM ME FOR EVER ( rip DD) DAM YOU LIBERALS SHE WAS MY ONLY FAMILY AND THEY HAVE THE RITE TO TAKE THAT .... WHY CAUSE SOMEONE WAS MAD AT ME ,BECAUSE SHE A 'PITBULL'(WERE SHE WAS LAB CROSS) LABEL WTF THAT DAM YOU GUY I WISH I CAN BAN YOU FOR EVER AND MAYBE GO AS FAR TO SAY TERMINATE YOU LIKE YOU DID MY DOG !!!!

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  12. I am sorry for your loss Anonymous.
    This barbaric law has ripped thousands of dogs from loving families based on how the dog looks, not behavior. This law has got to go but first we must get rid of the Liberals. I suggest offering to volunteer for the candidate in your riding who is most likely to beat out the Liberal. Once the Fed election is over the provincial fun will begin. Oct 6th here we come!

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  13. It has been a very hard and long process. All these families trying to come up with the money to fight for their dogs bc they were taken away for a certain look. Trying to train old dogs that they have to now wear muzzles. Even to go as far as saying to put a muzzle on your dog to let it out in your own back yard for a potty break... if your dog happens to run out your front door and someone spots it and thinks oh im gonna call the shelter... not to mention the stress of having to deal with the police and then your neighbors asking why the cops were there....If they were going to put a ban on these dogs or dogs that look like them they should be forking out the money to get them fixed if they werent at the time of the ban to buy all the extras all of a sudden needed ... dog are not cheap to buy anymore... so they come kill your dog... you are upset miss your family... and then have to come up with another bag full of money to try and bring back the love a dog can give you... If they wanted to stop attacks they should think about more obidence training not killing!!

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  14. I am very glad to know about your article.It's very interesting and informative for me.r rent.Thanks for sharing.My best wishes are with you.

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  15. when can we start putting down Liberal socialists for being a danger to society? ... they are definately a dangerous breed intent on causing harm and anguish to the population of Ontario and as such should be immediately banned, hunted down rounded up and exterminated.... I move that we pass this legislation as soon as possible before they can band together to offer up and adiquate defense...

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  16. Killing of dogs for votes: is the one promise Dalton McQuinty Kept!!! Well guess what!! My little "Pit" and all his little "Pit" friends will be voting this October so bye bye Mr McQuinty. As for Mr. Zimmer, when it comes to dogs, the ignorance just oozes from this man. Bye bye Mr. Zimmer.(Oh and rip off a leg? REALY?That must have been one h*ll of a huge "pit" to rip off a leg)

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  17. one pitts dont ripp an tear they hold clamp down n hold where a k9 police shepeard tare u limb from limb they aint banned n trained to attack humans so police can make a agressive dog n thats ok but u are charged cuz sum1 breaks in n ur pitter holds them not tares

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  18. Well we have less than 50 days to Zap Zimmer from office. I do hope that voters take the time to "get out there" and vote these idiots out of office. It can't come soon enough.

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  19. Well after today, I wonder if he really deep in his heart believes it is old news?

    Ontario Dogs Vote Anti BSL Rally on Oct 1st at Queens Park, and today being confronted by voters who think BSL is an election issue.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y0zGLQMm6U

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