Toronto Choke Chain / Prong Collar Ban

Dan Thi · 04-26-2017, 10:45 PM

Wait WHAT?.....

Original Link
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/201...y-council.html

Article Below:

Quote:

A bylaw banning choke chains and pronged dog collars could be back before Toronto city council as early as Wedesday after groups who use guide dogs asked for an exemption from the new rules.

The bylaw, which kicked in earlier this month, is being challenged by both the Canadian National Institute for the Blind and Guide Dog Users of Canada.

RELATED:Toronto dog collar ban barks up the wrong tree, dog lovers say

Councillor Jon Burnside recommended that council revisit the ban after he was contacted by the CNIB, which he said wants an exemption for the use of choke collars in training guide dogs.

“These are all professionals,” he said, who use these collars in a “very humane way.”

In a March 12 letter to council, the CNIB asked for:

an interim measure to ensure guide dog users are not charged while the bylaw is reviewed;
new language defining the type of collars that are banned;
the same exemption currently allowed for police dogs, if the bylaw remains unchanged.
The CNIB says it was not consulted before the ban went into effect, and wants organizations serving the blind community consulted whenever “decisions that affect us are being made.”

Burnside said he is “pretty confident” that the item will be reopened, and “pretty sure” that the bylaw will be amended.

However, Burnside says, a ban on the collars is still necessary because they can cause suffering to animals if misused.

“It’s very hard to regulate their use in the general public,” he said. “We can’t be everywhere. So the more appropriate thing is to ban their use altogether with exceptions for accredited organizations.”

A choke or pronged collar in the hands of a properly trained individual does not represent a threat to a guide dog, said a March 18 letter from Guide Dog Users of Canada.

The schools put considerable thought into their choices of collars, and train their students on the safe and effective use of that equipment, it added.

“All schools teach their students precisely when and how to use the provided collar and leash to administer what is known as a correction,” it read. “A correction is the act of refocusing the guide dog’s attention on its handler, and is used to re-establish the safe and smooth functioning of the team . . . Even more important is the fact that when the correction results in a return to the desired behaviour, the dog is rewarded, most often with praise.”

The bylaw began as a city staff recommendation to ban the use of pronged collars, choke chains and similar devices

Advocates for the blind are not the only groups lobbying for changes to the bylaw.

Grooming services will be negatively affected by the bylaw, said a letter from Gary Rygus, director of government relations of the Retain Council of Canada.

“We believe it was not the city’s intent to prevent grooming activities to be done in a safe manner and therefore request that the bylaw be amended to exempt grooming services as soon as possible,” Rygus said in the letter.

The Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers, in a letter has asked the city to focus on treatment of animals, not the devices themselves.

Those dog owners found using banned collars risk being ticketed and would face an as yet undetermined fine.

Jennifer Legere, a Toronto dog trainer, says the banned collars are key when it comes to keeping some dogs, their owners and the public safe.

Dan Thi · 04-26-2017, 11:03 PM

I also came across this; so does new by-law apply to all dogs in training facilities, walking down the street, or just Public dog parks? (I will research more, but if someone has a definitive answer go for it!)

https://www.change.org/p/toronto-cit...ff-leash-parks

Quote:

As it is already known, eCollars are currently banned under the guidelines of City Parks and Animal Services. As eCollars are used for (discomforting to painful) punishments to dogs, it makes sense. However, there are still Choke chains and Prong collars allowed in Public Off-Leash Parks. Besides posing a risk to other dogs who can still get their lower jaw caught in these collars (they have NO quick release mechanisms) they also pose a risk to humans who may have to break up two dogs from fighting; these risks include avulsions, punctures or severe lacerations. Off Leash Parks are not a place for these instruments.

Dan Thi · 04-27-2017, 01:54 AM

Looks like there is an 'anti' petition.

https://www.change.org/p/the-toronto...y-law-102-2017

leslie cassian · 04-27-2017, 09:08 AM

There is a very active community trying to get this over-turned.

Gina Mezin · 04-27-2017, 10:19 AM

I think they should ban newspapers so people won't smack dogs on the butt with them! In all seriousness, education is the key. How many people still put dead chickens on their dogs necks, put their dogs faces in poop, or swat with newspapers? I believe very few. It takes the public a while to learn the best practices. I personally think prongs allow more people to attempt taking their dogs on walks. Dogs on walks = happier dogs. Yes, hoping it gets overturned on all fronts.

Dan Thi · 05-15-2017, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gina Mezin

I think they should ban newspapers so people won't smack dogs on the butt with them!

I love it

.

Glad they have an open mind, and decided to talk to professionals and trainers after many Trainer and Dog Organizations came forward with concern.

I forgot to update,

Quote:

https://www.thestar.com/news/city_ha...ke-chains.html
Just weeks after it came into effect, Toronto city council has repealed a ban on pronged dog collars and choke chains, and asked city staff to consult the public on their use.

Nicole Stark · 05-15-2017, 11:03 PM

I really don't understand this movement regarding such limitations on the freedom of choice. When objection without understanding nets a solution, instead of a germane desire to become informed, there's clearly a problem.

Bob Scott · 05-15-2017, 11:21 PM

I don't think you will ever change the minds of ANY anti group.

Their objections are often based on feelings and not function.

04-27-2017, 01:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Dan Thi Ankle Biter View User's Photo Gallery Status: Member Training: IPO Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 59	Re: Toronto Choke Chain / Prong Collar Ban Looks like there is an 'anti' petition. https://www.change.org/p/the-toronto...y-law-102-2017

04-27-2017, 09:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
leslie cassian Landshark View User's Photo Gallery Status: Senior Member Training: Undecided Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ontario Posts: 1,728	Re: Toronto Choke Chain / Prong Collar Ban There is a very active community trying to get this over-turned.

05-15-2017, 11:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
Nicole Stark Broke the Bark Collar View User's Photo Gallery Status: Senior Member Training: Don't Train My Dog Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Alaska Posts: 5,306	Re: Toronto Choke Chain / Prong Collar Ban I really don't understand this movement regarding such limitations on the freedom of choice. When objection without understanding nets a solution, instead of a germane desire to become informed, there's clearly a problem. __________________ Do Not Disturb

05-15-2017, 11:21 PM	#8 (permalink)
Bob Scott Broke the Bark Collar View User's Photo Gallery Status: Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: St. Louis Missouri Posts: 21,869	Re: Toronto Choke Chain / Prong Collar Ban I don't think you will ever change the minds of ANY anti group. Their objections are often based on feelings and not function. __________________ The words of a fool offend only another fool!

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04-27-2017, 10:19 AM	#5 (permalink)
Gina Mezin Bit the Handler View User's Photo Gallery Status: Senior Member Training: Undecided Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: A desert in California not too far from the mountains. Posts: 520	I think they should ban newspapers so people won't smack dogs on the butt with them! In all seriousness, education is the key. How many people still put dead chickens on their dogs necks, put their dogs faces in poop, or swat with newspapers? I believe very few. It takes the public a while to learn the best practices. I personally think prongs allow more people to attempt taking their dogs on walks. Dogs on walks = happier dogs. Yes, hoping it gets overturned on all fronts.