Another heartbreaking story from London, Ontario

Recently, a London woman kindly took in a dog down on its luck. The dog in the picture above (Faith), along with another dog, belonged to neighbors. The dogs were disposable items and left behind when they moved away. The woman, I’ll call her Jane which is not her real name, along with her 13 year old son willingly gave Faith a permanent home.

Here is an excerpt from her letter:

Faith has had her vaccinations, spayed and chipped. When I got her she was starving for attention and pretty thin, she had bonded instantly with my son who is thirteen. I loved her right from the beginning, she is an awesome dog.

I have been laid off since Oct. so in the morning I will be watching the news and she curls right up and sleeps for about two hours. At around 12pm she will wait by the door for my son coming home for lunch and also around 3:30 when he comes homes from school.

London animal control got a tip from someone saying there was a “pitbull” at a certain address. When AC showed up, they deemed her a “pitbull” and said Jane had 14 days to get Faith out of province or Faith would be killed. Unfortunately the previous owners had her micro chipped, and chip identified her as a “pitbull” and listed her age at approx 1 1/2 yrs old.

With choices running low, Jane contacted ANML RESQ. The rescue has safely moved Faith out of the province where she has a chance to find a loving forever home and second chance at life.

Here is another excerpt from Jane’s letter:

All I ask and wish for is that someone protects her and loves her.  She did not deserve to be taken away from a home with people who could find no fault with her.  Faith is so deserving of a good wholesome family that will keep her and cherish her forever. 

It is extremely difficult for me to let go however it was this option or she was to be destroyed by those that are enforcing a law with no merit.  Faith did nothing wrong other than being born a ‘type’ of dog.  This law has destroyed many lives I am certain, as my son and I are grieving this loss.  I am uncertain if we will ever completely heal.

Another dog has been ripped from its loving owner for no reason other than how it looks. Thanks McGuinty Liberals for bringing heartbreak to thousands of Ontario dog owners for no reason other than political optics.

Here is an excerpt from a volunteer at Gerdy’s Rescue and Adoptions, who are the receiving rescue for Faith:

 This has been an emotional roller coaster for all involved I am certain.  Even though I have been actively moving animals in and out of both Quebec and Ontario - I never was touched by this on a personal level.  I have a strong feeling that no one really does understand the magnitude of this ban until there is a loved one or acquaintance that has been affected.

I am a personal friend of Faith’s owner. London Animal Control (London Animal Care Centre) arrived at her home.  Faith was not involved in an incident such as free at large, an attack or excessive barking.  Faith was outside on the balcony and someone said she was using this as her bathroom.  Animal control investigated and found no evidence - therefore unfounded.  When he was at the door Faith came to him and was licking his hand and was being her friendly self. That's when he said Faith was a pit bull. The owner said “no she is boxer mix”.  He looked at her teeth and said she was only approx. 1 year old and Faith was to leave the province unless there was proof Faith was 3.5 years of age.

I read the checklist from London Animal Care Centre; which clearly indicates the 'proof dog is not a pit bull' and 'proof dog is a 'restricted' pit bull.  In reading this “checklist” you can clearly see that it is impossible to keep any short haired mutt within London if there is no documents almost from birth dated 2005.

On a side note from the personal friend/rescue worker: The owner who rescued Faith has recently suffered tremendous tragic personal loss.  She only wanted to hold onto what is left and Faith played a huge part. She suffers silently.  She is a strong woman however this is one blow that she could have done without. This is not only about a dog; but it is also about a human being. Hopefully something good can come out of this.  Hopefully there is hope.  I have 'Faith'.

I would like to remind dog owners to please not register your dog with your vet or license her as a “pitbull”, “pitbull terrier” "stafford cross" or any similar term. There is no such breed and you are only giving ammunition to those choosing to enforce this law (which there is no obligation to enforce).

Remember:

Do not let Animal Control officers enter your home or take your dog. Demand to see a warrant.

Know your rights and contact a lawyer if you are in need of legal assistance.

Do not volunteer information. This may be used against you!

For more information about what to do if Animal Control comes to your door click here.