One of Toronto's touching Vigil Speeches

I'm sorry, this is coming late to you but you know my health has kept me behind. Em has given me permission to post her speech at the Vigil. I hope you reading it brings you closer to the hearts of many that feel strongly against what Bill 132 has done to Ontario. Now for Em's speech:

I am Emily Ugarenko, for the past year I have had the honour of being the London Ontario Representative for Advocates for the Underdog. Tonight I want to share some thoughts and words of encouragement as a volunteer, rescuer and advocate for all dogs!

I would first like to talk about compliance, abiding by the stipulations, or shall I say restrictions imposed by Bill 132. According to the law, any dog which is classified as a “Pitbull”, purebred, or a mixed breed bearing substancial physical characteristics or resemblance to a restricted breed, must be leashed and muzzled when in public. A muzzle that covers the mouth of the dog, that is humane, that is well fitted, without interfering with the breathing, panting or vision or ability to drink. And a leash attached to a collar or harness, at a length of no more than 1.8 meters.

I have no doubt all of us have seen dogs who appear to be of a restricted breed appearance out and about not in compliance of the law. Unmuzzled but on leash, muzzled but offleash, or flat out unmuzzled and off leash. Sadly, none of those situations are acceptable by the terms of this legislation. They are flat out illegal and punishable not only by a heafty fine, but with the life of the dog.

Many of us are outraged, upset and concerned when we happen across such a situation and with good reason. Some people are approachable, receptive to the cold hard facts. Others are not. It only takes a split second, a plain clothed officer, a complaint of a stranger.

It is our responsibility to keep our dogs safe! We can’t explain to them why they must wear a muzzle or why they can no longer romp with their friends in the park, but for the time being compliance is what will keep them from tragedy.

Secondly, I’d like to touch on the subject of rescue for dogs affected by Bill 132. For shelters, organizations and individuals it has been a difficult year. Pet rescue in general is challenging at best, but for the rescue and rehoming of pitbull and dogs assumed to be pitbull mixes based on appearance the challenge is that much greater. I look out at the candles and the flowers placed in memory of those we have needlessly lost, and my heart aches. NO dog is safe from this vague law. There simply aren’t the funds and resources to reach the needs of BSL affected canines. The odds are not in our favour, but ultimately it is not us, but most literally the dogs that loose.

According to Bill 132 all affected dogs were to be sterilized by October 29th 2005 (if of suitable age) and dogs considered grandfathered at the appropriate age in order to be fully complaint with the law (other than the exceptions stated directly in the legislation) No more pitbull type dogs are to be born, and all born after November 27th 2005 are to be sent out of province, euthanized or sent to research facilities under the ontario pound act. Yet shelters and rescues still deal with young dogs and puppies on a regular basis. Be it ignorance or an accident, the burden is heavy for all those involved in now trying to save that life.

A 5 week old puppy was put down yesterday solely based on appearance. A stray, an orphan, a tiny soul who deserved a chance, but he was blacklisted because he might have been a pitbull. Never having the opportunity to mature into a dog that perhaps looks nothing like a restricted breed. It happens, believe me. Advocates for the Underdog saved a litter of 12 pitbull type looking pups last summer, and today having now celebrated their first birthdays and they are all 80-90-odd pound Labrador retriever looking dogs. Had then ended up elsewhere, their fate could have been quite different.

I’m sure many of us here tonight have been involved in similar situations, you know what its like to try and move heaven and earth to try and find a spot for a dog. Not every one even realizes that options, albeit limited, are available. But rescues will continue to try to do what they can. And in the darkness of senseless death and discrimination we must remember to focus on and celebrate each and every life saved.

It has been a year since we all gathered here, to stand together and support the challenge of ending Breed Specific Legislation in Ontario.

This past year has brought the opportunity to meet many wonderful dog owners, volunteers, rescuers and along with it just as many amazing dogs. There is this whole network of friends, support groups and shoulders to lean on that have formed not only in Ontario but across the country and abroad. While it is very apparent that no good has come of Bill 132, the pubic has not been any safer nor have we seen a reduction in dogs bites or injury (from any breed). What HAS happened however is that people with a passion for their dogs and and animal welfare in general have rallied together to advocate and educate. Spending time and money, volunteering for dog transports, giving up a little more space in their homes for one more dog in need and have loving taught their dog to accept a muzzle so they can continue to enjoy an active life in the community.

For every piece of negative press there has been fueled by hype and stereotypes there has been at least twice as many pieces of positive press albeit tucked in the middle pages somewhere, to counter the negativity. For each person who chooses to be ignorant to the law and gamble with their dog’s life, there are groups like the pitbull co-op who proudly walk their dogs legally and responsibly. Yes the shelters along with emails and voicemails are overflowing with displaced, surrendered and strayed pitbulls and restricted breed mixes, but there are those who volunteer in those shelters, foster in their homes and continue to tirelessly fundraise to repeal the law.

Owning a restricted breed is tragically now not considered normal dog ownership, it is hard, it is sad, it is difficult and down right frustrating at times. But to every single last one of you who holds their head high and proud for the dogs you own, know and love we thank you! We thank you for not giving up on these dogs or giving up on yourselves and the ability to find courage in this adversity. We thank you for participating in events like this, showing your support. Because together we are strong! Individuals, organizations, rescuers and volunteers, wherever you fit in you are invaluable to us and the dogs . . . thank you.

Emily U.a.k.a. "Auntie Em" http://www.auntieems.org/