OPEN LETTER TO THE MUNICIPALITIES OF
CHATSWORTH, WEST GREY AND ARRAN-ELDERSLIE

Family pets are being held hostage at the direction of Animal Control Officer Cheryl Roberts under the guise of following the law according to Provincial BSL which prohibits “pit bulls” in the province of Ontario. Recently two dogs (Nove and Dexter) escaped from their yard and were picked up and turned over by a local resident. They have no history of aggression or bites. Consequently documentation provided by the owners, proving the dogs in question were not pit bulls and did not fall into a category identifying them as pit bulls, were rejected by Ms Roberts. That documentation included proof of pedigree, certified veterinarian certificates, and American Bully Kennel Club registration papers. All accepted as evidence by the provincial courts under DOLA.(Dog Owners Liability Act)

This is not an isolated situation. Recently Ms. Roberts attempted to seize Blue an American Bulldog, who serves as an emotional support dog to his owner and had proof of breed. The owners refused to hand him over and were later served with a citation to appear in court. As with Nove and Dexter, the courts are obligated to accept proof of breed. The same proof offered to Ms. Robert. Once again this will incur unnecessary legal costs paid for with municipal tax dollars and the potential for additional costs if the owner chooses to take legal action.

The courts will decide their fate based on the same evidence presented to Ms Roberts ending in another unnecessary expensive court case paid by tax payers and possible future costs if owners decide to sue the municipalities.

The present situation has received much attention across the province making the municipalities look like the backwoods of Ontario, potentially affecting future tourism. Animal Control must be accountable and transparent.

We ask that the Integrity Commissioners investigate this frivolous use of tax dollars and the overall conduct of this Animal Control service.

We ask that you not allow Cheryl Roberts to continue her rein of intimidation, harassment and extortion of pet owners. She shows herself to have callous disregard and lack of compassion pertaining to these families and pets. We ask that she be removed from her position as Animal Control Officer for the combined municipalities and replaced by one of a number experienced animal control organizations available to your area. i.e. Owen Sound Animal Shelter/OSAS, Owen Sound, North and South Bruce Peninsula.

There is no justifiable reason to hold dogs in a cage away from their family when there is no history of bites or aggression and they do not pose a threat to the public. We ask that you prepare for Nove and Dexter to be released to their owners immediately so they can remain in their home until the case is heard in court. Ms. Roberts has been allowed to hold these animals at her discretion since March, incurring thousands of dollars in fees for boarding, unnecessary tests and legal fees for their owner. That is a blatant abuse of power.

Since the boarding fees and DNA testing were the result of a judgement call on the part of Ms. Roberts and not by choice of the owner, in order to display this is not a cash grab on the part of the municipalities, those fees must be waived.

Your response to this letter will determine my vote in the next election. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.