Long Time No Write!

Hey hey hey :) Looks like I haven't been around in awhile. Well, in reality I have been - just not on this particular blog - most updates and information pertaining to 'pit bulls' can be found on the pit bull project website - so uhm, if you'd like recent stuff, go there!

Anywho, I thought this was important enough to post here, so that no one misses out.

The Bill 132 Court Case - still in progress? Absolutely, and it looks like there'll be another court war this upcoming September. The appeal for the Constitutional Challenge of Bill 132 in Ontario, will be heard on Monday September 15th and Tuesday September 16th, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Court of Appeal for Ontario, Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen St. West in Toronto. Room to be determined the Friday before.

More updates to come as new information is distributed on behalf of the Bannedaid Coalition. I'll try to keep in touch - otherwise, like I said - pitbullproject.ca folks!

The Pit Bull Reality

There have been a whole bunch of pit bull videos floating around the net; its a good thing...we're united in numbers. So I decided to contribute to the educational ceremony of presenting to the public, a positive and different view on pit bulls - at least different from what most people are used to seeing. After all, what we usually tend to see are images of snarling pit bulls mauling innocent grandmas right? *rolls eyes*...So, here's my little piece of work :) enjoy, and feel free to pass it around..I don't mind, really!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yQV5he1MkI

Pit Bull Rescue

Well, as we stand I have purchased the domain name pitbullrescue.ca
I would like to start working on this project some time within the next year, perhaps around January or February, depending on time constraints - I'm graduating in June 2007, and time constraints seem to haunt my every waking moment these days.

However, with that being said, the whole purpose of this "project" is simply to create a rescue site dedicated to the pit bull breeds; to basically form an internet source that will combine various different rescue groups into one site, and will allow people to sort through pit bulls that are available for adoption based on the province they live in (if they so wish, they can sort out of province too).

I'm aware that pbrc.net already exists for the U.S. and petfinder.org fulfills the role of searching for a rescue dog across the country, however I would like to tailor my website to pit bulls, and make it a little bit more personalized by perhaps adding a forum of comment board of some sort, in order to let people communicate more easily - with that being said, I welcome any interested parties (rescue groups, shelters, fosters) to let me know if they are interested in eventually posting their dogs on the future website. I would like to create a list of rescue that I will be working with, and get a chance to know more about them. I welcome anyone to give me a shout at info@pitbullproject.ca - also, comments and suggestions on the future project are more than appreciated by all.

Until then, I have compiled a small yet useful list of present pit bull rescues across North America for everyone's convenience:

Nationwide
http://adopt-a-pit-bull.1-800-save-a-pet.com/
http://pbrc.net/index.html
Alabama
http://www.turtlemoonrescue.org/
Arizona
http://www.apbta.net/
http://www.valleyofthesundogrescue.com/
http://www.geocities.com/oasisrescue/
http://www.pitbullregistry.com/deser...bullrescue.htm
California
http://www.badrap.org/rescue/
http://www.pitbullrescuesandiego.com/
http://www.vrcpitbull.com/
http://www.reunionrescue.com/
http://pitbull.ourfamily.com/
Colorado
http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/adop...cue/69348.html
Florida
http://www.pitbullrescue.com/
Georgia
http://www.pitprintsrescue.com/
Illinois
http://www.pbrc.net/rescues/midwestrescue.html
http://www.geocities.com/chicagopitbulls/
http://www.chicagolandbullybreedrescue.org/
Indiana
http://www.hhpbr.com/
http://www.casadeltoro.org/
Kansas
http://www.kspitbullrescue.com/
Maryland
http://www.ebbrr.org/
Michigan
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MI152.html
http://thelastresortrescue.tripod.com/
Missouri
http://www.brokenheartsrescue.net/
http://www.mprgroup.net/
Nevada
http://www.bulliebuddies.org/
New Jersey
http://whatapityrescue.ourpitbulls.com/
New York
http://www.outofthepits.org/
http://www.educateabull.com/
http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/
http://www.americanbulldogrescue.org/
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NY504.html
Oregon
http://www.pawsitivelypitbull.org/
Pennsylvania
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/itsarottnpity.html
South Carolina
http://www.pawsitivelypitbulls.org/
Texas
http://www.spindletoppitbullrefuge.org/
Virginia
http://www.misunderstood.rescuegroup...clientsitedown
Washington
http://www.workingpitbull.com/recycle-a-bull.htm
http://www.bullseyerescue.org/
http://www.pitbullproject.org/

Canada
http://www.pitbullsforlife.com/
http://www.hugabull.com/
http://www.advocatesfortheunderdog.com/
http://bulliesinneed.fivepixelmedia.com/index.htm
http://www.furkidsrescue.ca/

Mayor Elections 2006 in Ontario

What is this? David Miller won again?
What is happening to Torontonians?

I don't understand how a man that admits that he will raise wages for the mayor (himself) and city councilors when he wins, is voted in yet again? Do people LIKE throwing away their tax dollars on politicians? What did I miss?!

I'm angry, very angry. This is the shmuck that supports breed specific legislation (Miller said he supported the government's "swift action," which he applauded as "the best solution... to keep Ontarians safe from dangerous dogs.").

This year's voting results were a huge dissapointment. The upside? A woman is gaining momentum right after Miller in the run for Toronto mayor. We'll see what happens next time around; hopefully the people of Toronto will do a little more research and have better judgement before they pick one of Satan's minions to represent their city - and not only because of the dogs - what about all the broken promises? What about the lost tax payers money that magically dissapeared under the rainbow? What about taking care of crime and HONESTLY and WHOLEHEARTEDLY TRYING to make Toronto streets safer...

Yeah, I somewhat don't see that happening any time soon with Miller in charge...

On the lighter side, Mississauga voted in Hazel McCallion as their mayor for the 13th time! The longest serving mayor in the city's history has won the 2005 World Mayor Award, and continues to be a popular, sweet, old little lady that racked in over 92% of the votes this year. At 85, Hazel confirmed that the city of Mississauga was against Michael Bryant's idea of banning pit bulls...at least we have someone sensible serving our province!

In the meantime, its high tide that we prepare for next year's provincial elections. Miller, you may have won the battle for now, but don't count on winning the war. Dalton McGuinty, you're next!

CNN's Nancy Grace

I've received an email in regard's to a CNN story with ancor, Nancy Grace, aired on November 7th 2006. The story centered around the unfortunate attack on a 22 month old boy by his father's pit bulls. The story can be found here:

STORY

Unfortunately, Nancy Grace took it a step too far when she simply did not let callers speak if they didn't agree that pit bulls were the monsters that the media makes them out to be. Please read the following transcript of the show to see what I mean:

TRANSCRIPT OF THE SHOW

As an example, here were some of the comments made by Nancy Grace in the interview, aside from the fact that she continued to interupt her guests when they attempted to explain how the child's father acted irresponsibly, and that it is usually the owner's fault:

Example 1:
GRACE: Why would anybody even have four pitbulls in the house?

Example 2:
GRACE: OK, wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wait! Do you have a big, long list of poodle murders? That is total BS! No, laugh all you want to~!

Example 3:
GRACE: ... apparently, genetically, these type of dogs can be easily angered and attack.
BROOKS: Absolutely. And once they taste blood, that`s it.
GRACE: Well, there`s a fine how-do-you-do. Once they taste blood, that`s it.

Example 4:
WILLIAMS: Well, the father told us that he was not a big fan of dogs in the house. He liked the breed of pitbulls, and where he lived previously, he just kept them outside. I don`t know the living conditions. I don`t know if they were tied down or if they were in a kennel, but they were outside dogs.

(Unfortunately, nobody cares about details, which play an important role in determining why dogs attack in the first place!)

Example 5:
SETTER: What`s my take? I read the articles, and I see they were outside dogs. There was mentioning of the dogs being chained. Four of them in a trailer with a child left alone is just not a safe thing.
GRACE: But if it were four kittens or four beagle dogs, we wouldn`t have that problem.
SETTER: Sure, you would. There are reported cases of Dachshunds and Pomeranians fatally killing people, as a matter of fact.
GRACE: Really? Because I couldn`t find...
SETTER: Absolutely.
GRACE: ... a single one on the Internet.

Example 6:
ANNE BREMNER, TRIAL ATTORNEY: Well, Nancy, it`s possible like a negligent homicide, but the fact is, look at the behavior before the fact. You know, there are no bad dogs. I mean, people make bad dogs.
GRACE: Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa.
BREMNER: But, Nancy...
GRACE: The dogs ate a baby.
BREMNER: Here`s the thing, Nancy. It`s like, you know...
GRACE: There are no bad dogs. OK, thanks, Anne.
BREMNER: No, I`m not done yet, though...
(CROSSTALK) Interuption...

These were just some of the examples of the cheap shots made by the news ancor to make pit bulls look like evil killing machines yet again.
I urge everyone to leave their comments in regards to the show at the following link:

WRITE YOUR COMMENTS TO CNN HERE!

...at least by email, she won't have a chance to cut you off.

"Pit Bull" Co-op New Chapters!

The "Pit Bull" Co-op is expanding! Pit bull communities are growing in the province!

We are seeing a growing interest in creating new chapters to the co-op in London and Mississauga, Ontario. We are in the process of assigning location leaders and would like your input. If you are interested in joining these new location walks, or have any suggestions or comments, please give us a shout by email and keep visiting the site for more updates in the future in regards to our new chapters.

info@pitbullproject.ca
or
rockapuppy@yahoo.ca

You can also call Debbie at:
416-260-5745

Or Violet at:
416-878-1662

Bill C737 in Canada

I wanted to let everyone know that the Dog Legislation Council has sent me the following email in regards to Bill C737:

********* Please Crosspost**********

Hello Everyone,

Oct 30, 2006 Mark Holland MP from Ajax/Pickering (Liberal) introduced a private members bill in the Federal House regarding the Animal Cruelty Law for Canada. The bill has not been changed and was introduced the same as it was written for Bill C-50. This bill has been tabled several times. It is, in my opinion, time to get this bill passed so there is an updated recourse for committing offences of cruelty to animals. The law we have now has not been amended for a very long time. Therefore offenders are getting away scott free in many cases for despicable treatment of animals.

These are my opinions, and if you share these opinions I urge you to email or meet with your Federal MP and urge them to vote for Bill C-373 to get it passed. The more pressure put on MP's they will realize the importance of this bill and the concern for updating the cruelties law! I urge you to read the bill and inform yourself involving all areas of introduction of new or amendments of laws to ensure you are supporting something you agree with.

You can download a copy of the bill from this location, or I have attached a pdf copy of the bill:

http://www.parl.gc.ca/LEGISINFO/index.asp?Language=E&Session=14&query=4864&List=toc


I contacted Mark Holland via email this week to ensure the bill has not been changed since C-50. If you would like to contact him, or read more about his introduction of the bill you may do so at:

http://markholland.ca/issues/animals.htm


To find your MP and contact information in your riding go to:
http://canada.gc.ca/directories/direct_e.html#mp

Thank you. (end)

I strongly urge everyone to take the information to heart, and contact your MP asap. This is not the first time the legislation regarding animals has been brought up in the legislature, and unfortunately, overturned. We hope it won't happen again this time. It's about time that our laws regarding animal abuse and neglect be strengthened. Hmmm let me think, the last time it was updated was say, over 100 years ago! (literally!)... its time for some changes to occur. Please support Bill C737.

Stop the Cruelty in the Phillippines

I found this truly disturbing. I must note that I'm sure more than one person will comment that it's cultural or part of their lifestyle, or perhaps even religious...but honestly now, how can anybody use religion, tradition, or personal beliefs as an excuse for abuse, neglect, exploitation, etc?

The pictures really got to me, its quite distrubing...how much pain (both mental and physical) these dogs must go through. Their entire lives must be full of suffering and discomfort.

I urge everyone to sign this petition. Fine, if you think its ok to eat dogs, so be it...but I don't think anyone in their right mind could argue that these animals conditions absolutely MUST change. This kind of behavior/act is not tolerable nor should it be in any society or any part of the world.

Please sign the petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/985195393

I've also added a link to the petition dealing with cult practices in India, where dogs are slaughtered/sacrificed. Read more about and sign the petition here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/769292019

For the Travelers, Rescues, other Organizations, etc...

I just spoke to a friend of mine recently that is involved in the 'dog' community (not just pit bulls). She flies from one part of the country to the other on a regular basis, dealing with dog training seminars, rescue fundraising, etc.

As most of you know, rescues don't make money...in fact, they need money, so she wanted me to share the website with any interested parties - anybody that needs or likes to travel.

http://www.travelmix.com

Its a travel website that provides cheap tickets and great package deals for the traveler. You can book cars, cruises, airplane tickets (but of course), etc.
They also have packaged vacation sections (if you just want to get away from it all) at really good rates. My friend also mentioned that she got the cheapest ticket she could find online (that's where she usually orders), and they do keep to their lowest price guarantee.

So, I wanted to share the site with you guys - perhaps it will come in handy to rescues, anybody in need of transporting a dog, or just your average traveller.

The Pit Bull Community

Welcome!

To all the fellow pit bull lovers/owners out there - and dog owners in general.
I just wanted to let everyone know that in order to help with the fight against breed specific legislation, and to encourage positive education about pit bulls (and how they aren't children eating monsters after all!), I believe that it is important that all of us stick together... pit bull owners, all dog owners alike - the more numbers we have, the more likely ignorant politicians and bias media is likely to report and listen to OUR side of the story in regards to these wonderful dogs.

After all, isn't the main motto to punish the deed, not the breed?

My name is Violet, and I am the owner and creator of The Pit Bull Project.
I am also the co-founder of the "pit bull" co-op, which is an Ontario group dedicated to the pit bull breeds; all members meet once-twice a week with their dogs to exchange ideas and information, to socialize the dogs with one another, to encourage the growth of a 'pit bull' community in Ontario (and across the country for that matter), and to create an opposition to breed specific legislation.

More information on the group can be found here:
http://pitbullcoop.2ya.com

And The Pit Bull Project:
http://www.pitbullproject.ca