Petition to Winnipeg Mayor, Scott Gillingham and Members of Council, City of Winnipeg 

As a resident of Winnipeg and an advocate for responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, I am requesting that the City conduct a renewed review of its breed-specific legislation (BSL), with the goal of transitioning toward breed-neutral, behavior-based dog policies that prioritize public safety and responsible ownership.

Winnipeg’s breed-specific ban has been in place for decades. While originally intended to improve public safety, evolving evidence from veterinary professionals, municipalities, and animal welfare organizations suggests that breed alone is not a reliable predictor of dangerous behaviour. Instead, a dog’s behaviour is strongly influenced by responsible ownership, training, socialization, and environment.

The Winnipeg Humane Society has publicly advocated for the repeal of breed-specific legislation and the adoption of breed-neutral approaches that focus on behaviour rather than appearance. Veterinary experts, including the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, have also emphasized that policies targeting behaviour and owner accountability are more effective than breed bans alone.

Many Canadian municipalities have already moved toward breed-neutral policies while maintaining strong public safety standards. For example:

• Edmonton repealed its breed ban in 2012 and now regulates dogs based on behaviour
• Montreal repealed its ban in 2017 and strengthened responsible ownership measures
• Calgary operates one of Canada’s most recognized Responsible Pet Ownership programs
• Vancouver and Ottawa maintain breed-neutral regulations

These cities demonstrate that public safety can be maintained through responsible ownership programs, enforcement, and education rather than breed-specific restrictions.

Rather than continuing breed-specific restrictions, Winnipeg could strengthen public safety through:

1. Mandatory licensing and registration for all dogs
2. Required microchipping to ensure traceability and accountability
3. Stronger penalties for illegal breeding operations and dog fighting
4. Behaviour-based dangerous dog designations applicable to all breeds (case by case basis should an incident occur)
5. Increased enforcement of responsible ownership bylaws
6. Public education initiatives promoting safe and responsible dog ownership
7. Community reporting systems to help identify illegal activity

As a resident who cares deeply about animals and public safety, I believe Winnipeg has an opportunity to adopt policies that are fair, evidence-based, and focused on responsible ownership. Breed-neutral legislation holds owners accountable for their actions while allowing safe, well-behaved dogs to be treated as individuals rather than judged by appearance.

We, the undersigned residents and supporters, respectfully request that the City of Winnipeg:

1. Conduct a renewed review of breed-specific legislation
2. Consider transitioning toward breed-neutral, behaviour-based regulations
3. Consult with veterinary professionals, animal welfare organizations, and residents
4. Develop a structured transition plan that maintains public safety while modernizing animal control policies

We support responsible ownership, strong enforcement against illegal activity, and policies that protect both residents and animals.

Signed,

Residents and Supporters of Responsible, Evidence-Based Dog Policies in Winnipeg

Please find links below with current information on advocating for the end of breed specific legislation:

https://winnipeghumanesociety.ca/breed-neutral-legislation-now/​ 

https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-and-outreach/position-statements/statements/legislation-concerning-dangerous-dogs/​

https://capdt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/BSL-Position-Statement-November-2019.pdf