Justice for pit bull shot by police on Oneida reserve
Justice for pit bull shot by police on Oneida reserve
The Issue
The recent tragic incident involving a 71-year-old Oneida elder and their dog at the Oneida Nation of the Thames is deeply unsettling. Two stray dogs, labelled as “pit bulls”, got into a fight with the elder’s dog. The elder escaped with their dog to their house, but the elder’s dog died from their injuries. The elder had minor injuries. The police responded with violence, shooting one of the stray dogs. This incident evokes memories of the 1950s, when Indigenous people's dogs were slaughtered as a control measure by authorities. Such actions reflect a broader pattern of aggression and racial biases embedded in police procedurals regarding dogs.
If you know anything more about this incident, contact the Law Enforcement Complaint Agency of Ontario, instead of the Ontario Provincial Police. https://leca.ca/
The Ontario ban on pit bulls is a blunt instrument that does not address the root causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that pit bulls are inherently more dangerous than any other breed. Despite this, they are often targeted, and the ban has led to a disproportionate number of these dogs being shot by police. This bias extends beyond animals—it is intricately linked to systemic racism, affecting both humans and their canine companions.
The Oneida Nation is requesting a humane animal services. https://oneida.on.ca/news/public-safety-notice/
A humane and effective policy would focus on education, responsible ownership, and community engagement. Such a policy would empower Indigenous communities to create and enforce their own animal control regulations, free from external prejudices and ineffective bans. By replacing the pit bull ban with localized and culturally sensitive policies, we can foster safer environments for all community members and their pets.
Police in Canada do not require any sort of oversight regarding incidents where animals are injured or killed. Police are not trained in a humane response to animal calls. We would like the police to receive mandatory humane education and have an independent third party investigation every time an animal is shot or injured by police.
Stand with us as we call for a change in legislation that respects both human and animal rights within Indigenous territories. Sign this petition to urge decision-makers to replace the pit bull ban with humane Indigenous policies that prioritize safety, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Together, we can pave the way for progressive changes that honor the heritage and dignity of Indigenous peoples while ensuring the well-being of all cherished pets. Please sign and lend your support to this crucial cause.
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The Issue
The recent tragic incident involving a 71-year-old Oneida elder and their dog at the Oneida Nation of the Thames is deeply unsettling. Two stray dogs, labelled as “pit bulls”, got into a fight with the elder’s dog. The elder escaped with their dog to their house, but the elder’s dog died from their injuries. The elder had minor injuries. The police responded with violence, shooting one of the stray dogs. This incident evokes memories of the 1950s, when Indigenous people's dogs were slaughtered as a control measure by authorities. Such actions reflect a broader pattern of aggression and racial biases embedded in police procedurals regarding dogs.
If you know anything more about this incident, contact the Law Enforcement Complaint Agency of Ontario, instead of the Ontario Provincial Police. https://leca.ca/
The Ontario ban on pit bulls is a blunt instrument that does not address the root causes of aggressive behaviour in dogs. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that pit bulls are inherently more dangerous than any other breed. Despite this, they are often targeted, and the ban has led to a disproportionate number of these dogs being shot by police. This bias extends beyond animals—it is intricately linked to systemic racism, affecting both humans and their canine companions.
The Oneida Nation is requesting a humane animal services. https://oneida.on.ca/news/public-safety-notice/
A humane and effective policy would focus on education, responsible ownership, and community engagement. Such a policy would empower Indigenous communities to create and enforce their own animal control regulations, free from external prejudices and ineffective bans. By replacing the pit bull ban with localized and culturally sensitive policies, we can foster safer environments for all community members and their pets.
Police in Canada do not require any sort of oversight regarding incidents where animals are injured or killed. Police are not trained in a humane response to animal calls. We would like the police to receive mandatory humane education and have an independent third party investigation every time an animal is shot or injured by police.
Stand with us as we call for a change in legislation that respects both human and animal rights within Indigenous territories. Sign this petition to urge decision-makers to replace the pit bull ban with humane Indigenous policies that prioritize safety, respect, and cultural sensitivity. Together, we can pave the way for progressive changes that honor the heritage and dignity of Indigenous peoples while ensuring the well-being of all cherished pets. Please sign and lend your support to this crucial cause.
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Petition created on September 1, 2025