There are a couple things in comments that I thought should be put up front and center.
If you have a minute to send a fax to the city of Brampton to tell them how you feel about their Animal Control department conducting themselves in such a manner to seize mutts that haven't committed a crime. Stealing little old ladies dogs claiming them to be "pitbulls".
Social Mange had a great point.
The City of Brampton accepted dog license fees and the owners' breed IDs. I wonder whether the owners have a breach of contract suit against the City of Brampton for reversing its acceptance.
Also, Social Mange went to the trouble of searching out the fax numbers and Mayor's name.
Here they are:
Do not e-mail politicians. It is too easy for them to set up keywords and delete without reading any e-mails containing the keywords. We had experience with that through Dalton McGuinty's office; "deleted without being read".
Fax
Mayor Susan Fennell
Fax 905 874 2620
Councillors
Fax: 905 874 2644
h/t Fran There is a facebook page dedicated to supporting these owners and saving the two Brampton dogs lives. Please join if you are on facebook.
Another Rambo is on death row.. (granted the first one was Mississauga) but now a dog named Rambo was seized from an elderly woman for standing on his dog house to see over the fence. AC just happened to be driving by and saw the dog peering over the fence. Maria Gaspar's life was about to change. The dog gestapo were out trolling for "pitbulls" and Rambo happened to be in their sight range.
Rambo's sister Britany was also seized by AC. Both dogs are now slotted to die.
No one had complained about the young dog, he hadn't escaped 75-year-old Maria Gaspar's Vodden Street yard, and he had never bitten anyone.
But Rambo and his sister, Brittany, are on death row at the City of Brampton's Animal Shelter right now while their owners are embroiled in a battle to get their beloved pets back before they are euthanized. The deadline- Feb. 5.
Both dogs were seized from separate homes on Jan. 13 by city animal control officials who said they believed the dogs to be pitbulls.
Quite a while back I posted an article about "What to do if AC come knocking". Now would be a good time to re-familiarize yourself with this information.
I hope both owners find kick butt legal counsel to kick Brampton where it hurts. It is time for all you wanks to stop hiding behind McGuinty's ban happy, based on BS law and do the right thing. We are sick of hearing "we were only doing our job" or "we are only enforcing the law". I call BS. A mutt is a mutt is a mutt. Quit exercising your neanderthal beliefs that "pitbulls" actually exist and leave the old ladies and all responsible dog owners alone!
So I was just having a nice fantasy about what it will be like here once we get this bullshit ban overturned in OnScario! Burn the muzzles, get a puppy or go for a walk like normal dog owners without looking over your shoulder wondering if this will be the day you and your dog get thrown under the bus just cause someone doesn't like the look of you or your dog.
It is happening in Toledo! Dog Nazi catcher Skeldon is now safely off the streets of Toledo and the law has been found unconstitutional. Double whammy in the jubilation department.
The Lucas County Dog Warden's office has stopped enforcing the city of Toledo's controversial vicious-dogs law and “pit bull” restrictions following a judge's ruling last week that parts of the law are unconstitutional.
County and city officials asked late last week that Acting Dog Warden Bonnie Mitchell stop her deputies from targeting “pit bulls” and “pit bull” mixes, as they were doing to carry out the law, County Administrator Mike Beazley said Thursday.
“We've directed them to not enforce Toledo's law,” he said. The law limits city residents to owning just one “pit bull” or “pit bull” mix dog and requires that owners keep their animal leashed and muzzled when it's away from home. A violation is a misdemeanor offense.
We dog owners in Ontariostan are dancing in the streets for you! Congrats and hope we are right behind ya.. Denver too!
In times of strife when disaster strikes and all media reports show tremendous suffering and death of humans and animals, people have such a helpless feeling that they are compelled to give any money they have to anyone. I think the feeling of helplessness is soothed a bit by the act of giving of one's money, even though that money may not be going where it is intended.
Organizations of all kinds play on this very phenomenon constantly. There is something horrific happening somewhere in the world at all times. What better way to push someone's buttons than by playing the emotional card. What better way to get the emotional tap turned on but through suffering.
It is important in times of stress to keep a clear head and do your research. It is truly admirable that so many who may not have much to give themselves, manage to scrape together what they can to give to those in more serious need.
It is despicable that organizations get away with collecting exorbitant amounts of money then throwing a drop in the rain barrel of need (if you are lucky) for the cause they are collecting for.
There is a good article at AR-HR where WSB-TV did an investigation into HSUS fundraising practices. Remember, the proof is in the pudding. All organizations must provide financial breakdown that is public knowledge. It is not difficult to search or research the organizations you are tempted to give your money too.
You work hard for your money. Why line the pockets of smooth talking marketeers and activist lobbyists who are more than willing to put your money to good use. Good use that is not what you intended. Don't get me wrong, there are very reputable organizations out there. Make an informed choice before supporting any charitable organization. Ask questions and do your homework.
An article in The Star reports that Tim Trow, president of Toronto Humane Society is resigning his position.
Trow, THS president between 2001 and late 2009, is facing criminal charges of animal cruelty, obstruction of a peace officer and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. He had previously dismissed calls for his resignation, which intensified in the spring after newspaper reports suggested the THS was neglecting animals and mismanaging its finances.
There is some good news out of Ohio. Not only have things improved since Tom Skeldon (incompetent and barbaric dog warden for Lucas County Ohio extraordinaire) was let go, but a Toledo judge has struck "pitbull" restrictions as unconstitutional based on conflict with the state law and were unconstitutional under the home-rule doctrine.
Animal Law Coalition has an in depth piece. Read it here.
KC Dog Blog also has a good article about this as well. Read it here.
Ohio may have a clear path to fair and equal treatment under the law for dog owners now. I know a lot of dogs will now have a chance to live and dog owners will be protected from the reign of terror Skeldon held while he was employed as Lucas County dog catcher. Many dogs needlessly lost their lives while Skeldon was in charge.
The Toronto Humane Society by Contributing Funds or Pet Supplies
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) and the staff at the Toronto Humane Society (THS) would like the public to know there are ways to directly help the various animals in need at the THS.
A bank account has been set up through TD Canada Trust to accept contributions, every penny of which will be invested to care for over 900 animals in need at the Toronto Humane Society (THS). This fund is not to be used in any way for legal fees or other administrationcosts not directly associated with helping animals.
Those wishing to contribute are invited to transfer funds to the following account at any bank:
TD Canada Trust account number: 5224209
Transit number: 0307
You may also donate by credit card or cheque
To donate using your credit card phone, phone the OSPCA at 1-888-668-7722 extension 322 or 323. Tell them you wish your donation to be used for THS animal care.
To donate by cheque please make it payable to OSPCA and write on the memo line “THS animal care”. Ensure your name and return address are included to help prepare your donor tax receipt.
Mail your cheque to:
OSPCA
16586 Woodbine Avenue,
R.R. #3,
Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 4W1
“Obviously, this has been a very difficult time for animal lovers with the ongoing investigation into alleged animal cruelty and mismanagement by senior staff and board members at the THS. But the community has come together to support the animals in need at the THS shelter, and this support is truly wonderful and inspiring," said Kevin Strooband, lead investigator for the OSPCA. "If the public wishes to help the animals at the THS, we will make sure their contributions of money or supplies will directly help animals in need at this shelter."
A wide range of pet supplies would also be gratefully accepted and appreciated from the public.
Supplies that are especially needed are:
Straw
Timothy hay
Aspen shavings
Food for less active rabbits
"Rodent Diet"
Six-foot-long nylon or leather leashes
"Yesterdays News" cat litter
Canary-finch bird food
"Cover Cat" non-clumping cat litter
Toys for cats and dogs
Blankets
These items can be dropped off at the THS animal shelter at 11 River Street.
For more information about how you can help the animals at the THS, please call 1-888-668-7722.
There is a great event coming up at Downsview Park in Toronto, February 13 and 14th.
Come to shop, come to play, come to learn about pet adoption and perhaps meet your next pet. Over 50 vendors and animals welfare groups all indoors with a 2,400 sq ft off leash dog play area. All to celebrate the wonderful world of pets and to help homeless pets.
