Is The Pit Bull Ban Really Effective Against Dog Bites And Attacks?

It’s true that more than a decade ago Ontario banned pit bulls. Of course, as you can expect, there was a serious round of controversy surrounding this particular legislative decision. People were questioning whether it would actually have any effect on reducing the amount of dog bites. With this in mind, the Toronto Star published official information, issues by the city of Toronto itself, and showing that these bans might truly be rather effective in this particular regard.

Back in 2013, there were 13 reported dog bites which were actually caused by pit bulls. The population of the same breed had reportedly dropped down to about 500 animals. This was a rather considerable dive in comparison to 2004 when the population of pit bulls was about 984 licensed dogs of the breed and more than 170 reported bites. As you can see, the results are truly rather effective.

However, it is also important to understand that dog owners who actually owned pit bulls before the ban was placed in effect, were allowed to keep them, following strict and specific protocol. It required to keep the dog sterilized and to keep it muzzled and on a leash, every time it is in public.

It is also true that there are quite a lot of questions related and in regard to what is actually considered to be a pit bull. The ban focuses on pit bull terriers as well as American Stafford shire terriers, Stafford shire bull terriers as well as American pit bull terriers and those who have similar appearance as according to Star. Right as of now, there is a legislatively issued checklist which is followed by inspectors in an attempt to help them determine whether certain dog is considered to be pit bull or not.

Now, the important thing that you’d have to understand here is that dog bites themselves are not a case to be underestimated and overlooked. As a matter of fact there are cases of fatalities pursuant to dog bites. Dog bites are incredibly challenging to tackle in court because of the institute of contributory negligence in combination with strict liability. Even though the dog owner is going to be responsible for the damages even in the events of his absence, he can also claim contributory negligence on behalf of the victim and this would put the case towards a path which is quite challenging to deal with.

This is the main reason for which it is quite important to rely on an experienced and professional personal injury lawyer in Brantford– one who is going to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the representation that you need to get the result that you are legally entitled to, regardless on which side of the bar you are. Dog attacks can be vicious but if you are a victim of an animal attack, you are within your legal rights to sue for physical and emotional trauma.