What will happen to the Pit bull?

In the Toronto Pulse24.com news today is this article.
Although I believe it was wrong for the dog to attack regardless of situation, and should have been better trained by the owner in restraint, I can only imagine the scene the Shih Tzu was making prior to the incident.
One other important factor I'd like to make is that the Pit bulls now have the disadvantage of not being properly socialized because of the law. Socialization can not be stressed enough for raising a happy, secure and friendly dog of any breed. Take that away and situations like this are bound to happen. Who's fault is it? Why don't you ask Michael Bryant who wrote this law.


Animal Attack

A pill bull owner will not face charges after her dog attacked and killed a Shih Tzu Tuesday night.
The animal apparently broke free of its muzzle while out for a walk with its owner at about 10pm near Danforth Rd. and Midland Ave. in Scarborough. It lunged at the Shih Tzu, then bit that dog’s owner in the arm and leg when they tried to save their pet.
Animal control officials took charge of the pit bull following the attack, but police say the owner won’t be charged since the dog was wearing a muzzle in accordance with the province’s new pit bull legislation.
The laws, passed last summer, require that all pit bulls be muzzled in public. Any violation of the law can lead to fines, imprisonment, or the animal could be taken away or destroyed.
It’s unclear what will happen to the dog, given that the laws were adhered to in this case.

Pit Bull Laws:

What breeds are included in the new pit bull ban?

American Staffordshire terriers, pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and American pit bull terriers - also any other breeds sharing 'substantially similar' characteristics

When did it take effect?

Monday, August 29, 2005. But a 60-day grace period ended as of 12:01am Friday, October 28.

What are the regulations?

The amendments to the Dog Owners' Liability Act (DOLA) bar people from owning, breeding, transferring, importing, or abandoning pit bulls.

Pit bulls kept legally after the ban will be known as 'grandfathered' or restricted pit bulls.

In order for a pit bull to qualify as a 'grandfathered' or restricted pit bull, it must have been owned by an Ontario resident on August 29, 2005 or born in Ontario within 90 days of August 29th of that year.

As of October 28, 2005, pit bull owners had to have their dogs leashed and muzzled in public and sterilized.

Additionally, owners aren't allowed to train them to fight, and can't let them stray.

The only time a muzzle isn't required is when the dog is on the owner's property, or on another person's property if they consent to the muzzle's removal.

Muzzles should be humane, but strong enough to prevent the animal from biting without interfering with its ability to breathe, pant, see, or drink.

The leash must not exceed 1.8 metres.

What are the potential penalties if laws are broken?

$10,000 fine ($60,000 for corporations) and/or

Six months imprisonment and/or

The court could order the person convicted to compensate the victim and/or

The animal could be taken away or destroyed

What to do if you see a pit bull that's not abiding by the restrictions:

Municipalities are responsible for animal control, so you should contact your local animal control or by-law enforcement office. In emergency situations though, contact police.

If you're bitten by a pit bull because the restrictions aren't being followed, you can bring a civil action against the dog's owner for damages.

The new laws stipulate that the owner of a dog is liable for damages resulting from a bite or attack regardless of whether the owner is at fault or negligent.

Courtesy Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General
February 15, 2006