A Sweet "Bully"
While the main goal of Ruff-Spots is to support animal shelters and rescue groups within Newfoundland & Labrador, our concern for animals is never just limited to our own borders.
Recently, we heard of a fanatastic group based in Ontario, called “Bullies in Need“. BIN is a group that primarily rescues American Pit Bull Terrier as well as other pit bull-type dogs.
This group exists mainly because of the breed-specific-legislation found in Bill 132. According to Ontario provincial law, pit bull-like dogs are banned from living in Ontario unless they were born prior to November 2005 (there was a 90 day grace period after the law took effect in August). Any puppy identified (or misidentified) as a “bully” after November 2005 is illegal, and subject to seizure and euthanization.
So, many so-called bully puppies or young dogs that that end up in Ontario animal shelters are euthanized. But not all. Some, through the efforts of compassionate shelter staff and groups like BIN, get a second chance. The “older” dogs (4-5 + years), born prior to Bill 132, can be legally adopted within Ontario. Younger dogs cannot. For these dogs, BIN looks to out-of-province foster care providers and adopters. There is even one of BIN’s foster dogs right here in NL (check out “Reggie” – the sweet sleepy dog in the photo above- from their list of adoptables).
Interested in getting a Pit Bull? Consider adoption and rescue instead of purchasing one from a breeder.
Can’t adopt but are shocked by what is going on in Ontario? Think about a donation to BIN.
Afraid of Pit Bulls or think they should be banned? Take some time to educate yourself on this type of dog- you’ll probably be surprised! Here are some other great sites to check out:
Pit Bull Rescue Central
HugaBull Advocacy and Rescue Society
BAD RAP
If you’re interested in contacting BIN, e-mail them at bullies_in_need@hotmail.com
