Midland Ontario continuing its legacy of illogical canine bylaws

The town of Midland recently amended their dog bylaw. They actually didn't change much other than increasing fines; however they were already on the "no fly" list for dog owners. Looks as though they are choosing to remain on the illogical list and maintain their status in the **ban plus club.

** the ban plus club is a name I have chosen for municipalities that choose to up the price of poker and add other breeds or non-breeds (mutts) to their list of "get out of our town cause we don't want you or your stinkin' dog here!"

Towns and cities actually have the power to choose NOT to enforce the law. They can choose to apply dog bylaws to ALL dog owners regardless of breed (which some Ontario towns have chosen to do). Some cities and towns choose not to enforce this barbaric, hysterical, illogical law. One such city is Ottawa (to learn more click here).
So basically here is a run down of the sections of the Midland dog bylaw that are pertinent to this topic.

TOWN OF MIDLAND

BY-LAW NO. 98-41

A By-law for the Licensing and Requiring the Registration of Dogs and for the Control of Dogs within the boundaries of the Town of Midland

18.0 MUZZLING OF DOGS

18.1 The owner of a breed of dog described in Schedule “A” attached hereto and forming part of this by-law, shall ensure that when the dog is on any municipal property, the snout of the dog is secured at all times by the use of a muzzle so as to prevent it from biting a person or animal and that the dog be secured to the owner by a leash.

SCHEDULE ‘A’ TO AMENDING BY-LAW 99-64

Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or any dog of mixed breeding which includes any of the aforementioned breeds.

Rottweiler or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed.

Any member of the Mastiff dog family or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed. (Amending By-law 2001-22)

So to break it down, the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are legitimate breeds and are banned under the amendment to DOLA by the Fiberals in 2005. There are so few of any of the three breeds in Ontario, I highly doubt there are any in existence in Midland. There are less than 1500 purebred dogs total (all three breeds combined) in Ontario.

I've been through Midland many times. My mom lives in the next town and I don't stop for anything in Midland since I don't spend money in towns that are anti dog!

The Pit Bull Terrier and Pit Bull do not exist. They are slang terms for a shape or type of dog but can be any short haired cross bred dog of any combination possible commonly known as a "mutt". Labs being one of the most common breeds in Canada are likely a common portion of the composition of these short haired mutts.

The "or any dog of mixed breeding which includes any of the aforementioned breeds", cannot be proven since there is no way to determine (scientifically or otherwise) the exact composition of breeds for any mutt.  However the gotcha is Bryant added reverse onus in DOLA so it is up to the owner of a mutt to prove their dog isn't a "pitbull" if it is identified as such. You cannot prove a negative therefore you cannot prove your dog is not a "pitbull".

Also banned in Midland is the Rottweiler or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed. (Therefore Rottweiler's and any other black and tan dog with eyebrows).


And last but not least; Any member of the Mastiff dog family or any dog of mixed breeding which includes the aforementioned breed.

Mastiff breeds include:
Old English Mastiff
Neapolitan Mastiff
Cane Corso
Great Dane
Tibetan Mastiff
Bull Mastiff
Dogo Argentino
Dogue de Bordeaux
Tosa Inu
Fila Brasileiro
South African Boerboel
Presa Canario

So what is left? Hairy and small. But then again, I have witnessed some breed identifications that would make your hair curl.
In my estimation, I am better off safe than sorry. I actually know for sure my dog is banned in Midland so I will continue to NOT visit or spend any money there. I will save my money for Elmvale or Penetanguishene. (Ontario local humor check the map).
Take a long hard look at your dog before entering the town limits of Midland Ontario. If you are sitting in denial or think your dog's life is safe in this anti dog town, think again.