In the current Burnaby Animal Control Bylaw, dated 1991, a “vicious dog” means

"(a) a dog that without provocation has bitten or caused injury to a human being or to a domestic animal, but does not include a dog that has bitten or injured a trespasser, and (b) a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, an American Pit Bull Terrier and any dog generally recognized as a pit bull or pit bull terrier and includes a dog of mixed breed with predominant pit bull or pit bull terrier characteristics."

The breeds stated in section (b) have been targeted in the current outdated Burnaby Animal Control Bylaw, regardless of each individual dog, even if they have never been aggressive. Even when those dogs have no history of aggression, the bylaw also says "Every owner of a vicious dog shall keep it muzzled while on a highway, park or other public place. (Bylaw No. 13295)".

Moreover, these breeds face higher licensing and pound fees than any other dogs, even if individual dogs have no history of aggression. 

I believe that any dogs that end up being vicious and dangerous are dogs that are unsupervised, unsocialized with other humans and animals and perhaps mistreated or neglected by their owners.

I would like to see breed-specific legislation, including higher licensing and pound fees, and muzzle requirement, be removed from Burnaby Animal Control Bylaw and follow examples from the majority of cities in BC. These dogs are people’s pets and it’s up to each owner to ensure that they are good community members. Putting the onus back on the pet owners should be one of the purposes of a new bylaw. The responsibilities of each dogs, non-depending on their breed, should be placed on owners rather than specific breeds. The Bylaw does not address that responsibility.

By this petition, I am seeking support from all animal lovers residing in Burnaby. Please sign, give your name, your address and email address. Thank you.