Restrictions needed on pit bulls

As I write this, I am aware that there are two women in the Edmonton area who are suffering from severe dog bites. These women were simply reading water meters or going for a walk when they were attacked by pit bull dogs. I am sure they will feel pain and trauma for a long time as a result.

I am fairly certain that most people in the Edmonton area want to be able to live without fear of being maimed or killed by a dog. Oh, I know that pit bull owners say they are a gentle breed and that may be so — until they decide to attack. Then, their size and the fact that they are bred to be fighting dogs results in severe maiming or death.

It is time for our politicians to enact the following bylaws: All pit bull dogs in public spaces must be muzzled; all owners who do not follow the bylaw and whose animal harms or kills another dog face a fine of up to $5000; any pit bull dog which is responsible for the maiming or killing of a dog or a human shall be euthanized.

Write to your mayor and your councillor to put pressure to get these expectations in place.

An urban environment is a place where people must feel safe.

It is not a place for dogs which are bred for fighting and are known as “finishers” to be given free rein. Let’s prevent further tragedies from happening.

Ed Guilbault, Edmonton