Service dog taken from Bruce County, Ont. family
Two families are fighting for the permanent return of their dogs - one of them a service animal - seized by the municipality because they resemble pit bulls.
Lulu is home, for now, after being taken by Arran-Elderslie’s Animal Control officer in early August. The Quarry family's other dog, Blue, a PTSD service dog for Ralph Quarry is also back home, but they are not sure for how long.
“Blue has never, ever, ever hurt anybody. He’s never bit or gone after anybody. He went after a cat. That’s what this all stems from, a cat. All dogs go after cats,” says Ralph.
Deanna Irvin-Wheeler lost her dogs, Dexter and Nove, to the same animal control officer in March, after they got loose from her property in nearby West Grey.
Their resemblance to a pit bull, although they are both American Bullies, is the reason they were taken.
“I was never charged, and they shipped them to Quebec,” she says.
Dexter and Nova, two American Bullies, are seen in this undated photo. (Source: Deanna Irvin-Wheeler)
The Quarry and Wheeler families are pushing to try and repeal parts of Ontario’s Dog Owners and Liability Act, also know as Ontario’s pit bull ban law, put in place in 2005.
Specifically, the parts that focus on breeds deemed similar in looks to pit bulls, like Lulu, an American Bully.
“Innocent sweet, lovable, well-adjusted family pets with responsible, loving owners, are getting caught under this, and not actual criminals,” says Robyn Minifie, a local animal advocate.
For their part, the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie provided this statement from Arran-Elderslie CAO Sylvia Kirkwood about the Quarrys' dogs being taken.
“The Quarry matter is still in litigation. We cannot provide any commentary on this matter as it still remains before the courts. Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Control Services continue to be provided in Arran-Elderslie in accordance with our Bylaws on a complaint basis.”
Ralph has been charged with owning a dangerous dog.
“He’s my rock when I need a rock. When my wife’s not home, he’s there to comfort me, to love me,” he says.
Irvin-Wheeler is working her way through the courts to try and get her dogs returned as well.
Until then, the focus is on trying to change the legislation that allows dogs like these, even service animals, to be taken from their homes.
“In other townships and municipalities, they’re heroes, these service dogs. But here, for some reason, under one animal control officer, they’re villains,” says Minifie.
Correction
An earlier version of this story stated that Ralph's PTSD service dog was still in custody.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.