Anybody but McGuinty Liberals after pit bull hearings, law (Letters to the Editor)

Julie King's letter to the editor are probably the same as many other Ontario citizens and I appreciate her for getting her message out.

As for her witnessing the reaction of Zimmerman shows she was fortunate to be present during the hearing.

Many were not and waited desparately for what I can honestly say was the most devistating time in my life when I heard the verdict in disbelief. I cried for 3 days straight at how much power is given to the government without what the majority of Ontario citizens wanted or their input.

Jullie King's letter brought back that time when Pit bull owners across Ontario were stunned at the decision the Liberal government made for us and have made us victims because of it.

Anyone but McGuinty Liberals after pit bull hearings, law
Letters to the Editor
Sep 29, 2007

While Dalton McGuinty’s record of broken promises is disturbing, my own reason for working against the McGuinty Liberals is deeply personal.

In 2004, the Liberals went on a campaign to ban “pit bulls”. Seizing the chance to distract voters angered by the health tax hike, the Liberals ignored experts and pushed through bad legislation.

Watching the public hearings made me realize just how little integrity the McGuinty Liberals have. They were biased, arrogant and eager to pass bad policy because of the perceived political gain.

The most appalling moment, however, came during Donna Trempe’s presentation. Many Stouffville residents will remember the tragic incident when Donna’s young daughter, Courtney Trempe, was killed by a bull mastiff in 1998s. An extensive inquest into her death led to many public safety recommendations.

In her presentation, Donna pleaded with the Liberals to consider these alternatives and not to pass breed specific legislation.

I was shocked when I looked over at Liberal MPP David Zimmer during Donna’s presentation. He acted bored, fiddled with his PDA and scowled as this brave woman talked about the death of her child.

Then, when asked if he had any questions, Zimmer did not even look up, but just waved his hand.

With that one dismissive gesture Zimmer waved away the value of Courtney’s short life and insights into how her death could help prevent others like it.

By the end of the hearings, 84 per cent of presenters, including every credible expert, opposed the ban. The Liberals pushed it through anyway. Let me tell you where we are today as a result.

Thanks to the McGuinty Liberals, three purebred breeds — and only the purebreds — are banned. None of the unprovoked attacks involved the purebreds. Meanwhile, the mixed-breed dogs most people call “pit bulls”, the dogs in the high profile media attacks, were exempt from the law, just as the Liberals were warned they would be.

So Ontario now has a useless law. Responsible owners have been punished.

Thousands of friendly dogs have been needlessly put down or sent to animal research. And the process has cost tax payers millions of dollars.

The McGuinty Liberals have shown that they have no scruples.

Promises don’t matter. Integrity doesn’t matter.

That is why I am working hard to see anyone but Mr. McGuinty elected this fall.

Julie King
Gormley