Raining Dogs and Lefties

Now, I understand Mark Buerhle is a ballplayer who will make $11 million next year (jumps to $19 million in 2015!), which gives him a certain position in society. At 33, he must be already wise in the ways of the world, and let's assume he's unique among Americans in that he has travelled widely and sampled the culture and living conditions of other nations.

I also understand that he's a new Blue Jay, and given the playoff-less drought of the past two decades, and given the fact many U.S. ballplayers prefer not to play north of the Canada-U.S. border, we're especially hoping he'll feel comfortable in his new surroundings.

But perhaps Buerhle might be willing to spend, say, a week in our fair country before he starts recommending which laws require changing and which ones are fine by him.

Perhaps, in the case of the ban on pit bulls in Ontario, he might want to do a little investigating. Find out why the ban was put in place in 2005. Talk to some of those injured by that particular dog breed. Find out if there has been an appreciable change in dog attacks since the ban. Find out if there were any unique circumstances that led to the ban. And so forth.

Perhaps Buerhle, despite the fact he's a ballplayer and thus special, might want to show Canada just a wee bit of respect and live here for a spell before he begins to lecture the country on its legal system, culture and values with respect to animals.

Just a suggestion.

Now, don't get me wrong, I kind of get where Buerhle is coming from. I'm a proud dog owner, with a 14-year-old Labrador retriever and a 12-year-old Golden Retriever, and hopefully a Golden puppy on the way next year. I like big athletic dogs, and the various varieties of pit bulls are powerful, muscular dogs, attractive to my eye.

I also agree with the sentiment that there are no bad dogs, just bad owners. Dogs need more protection from man than man needs protection from dogs.

So Buerhle and I are good so far. Also, the fact that his pit bull is a "rescue" dog certainly is a plus. He obviously cares for dogs and the breed, and many owners of Staffordshire bull terriers, American bull terriers and other pit bull types could fill this space easily with good stories about these dogs as pets.

However, there were reasons why pit bills were banned in Ontario. it didn't just happen in a vacuum.

Perhaps the law was hasty or too sweeping, but a series of ugly incidents over many years involving the dogs, sometimes involving children, spurred legislators to act. Pit bulls aren't the only dogs to have ever bitten or attacked humans, but they certainly were involved in a number of problematic situations that caused an outcry. The unwillingness of the breed to stop attacking once they start makes them a frightening foe if confronted.

Which is why, of course, some like to own them. On their own, with good training, they can be useful and non-threatening dogs. But there are bad dog owners out there, and you put one of these dogs in the hands of such a person, it can be dangerous.

Not always. But it can be. 

This is not "discriminatory." Dogs are animals, and there any number of animals, mostly exotic ones, that you cannot keep as pets or in domestic situations. The Ontario law on pit bulls was challenged in court and stood up to the challenge.

I can't keep a cow on my front lawn, either. Or walk a tiger in the neighborhood. I'm not sure if I can keep a shark in my swimming pool or not. It's probably good I don't have a pool.

Animal ownership is regulated, and for specific reasons. Pit bulls as a breed were banned for specific reasons in Ontario, as they were in Dade Country down in Florida where the Miami Marlins play, which is why Buerhle during his season with the Marlins had to live in a different county. A variety of constituencies in North America and around the world have dropped pit bull bans, while the state of Maryland adopted one this year.

It's still a very debatable issue. Statistics have shown dog bites declined in Ontario after the pit bull ban was enacted. That's imprecise data that could be attributed to any number of factors, but the number in itself is compelling.

I'm certainly not anxious to re-introduce pit bills back into Ontario. Why? So Buerhle doesn't have to deal with the inconvenience? What benefit is there to Ontarians in general to have to deal with these issues and possible problems again? Do we have an insufficient variety of breeds for domestic use? Do we think unsavoury and incapable dog owners won't be drawn again to this breed?

I'm also thinking both Buerhle and the Blue Jays might want to tread carefully here. If the player and/or the team get behind a repeal of the ban, and then Ontario finds itself dealing with the pit bull issue all over again, both Buerhle and the team might find themselves attracting unwanted publicity.

I'm certain Buerhle means well and is passionate about the issue. Advocates of repealing pit bull bans here and elsewhere are always passionate.

But perhaps a little respect for the country that is welcoming you to work and live might go a long way here. Just spend a little time in Canada first before advocating legislative change. Fair enough?

 

 

Comments

[Aja OGorman]

Damien, you should really do a lot more research before you post articles that are full of half facts and non-truths. Pitbulls in fact account for less than 5% of all dog bites in North America, and the worst offenders are in fact German Sheperds, Rottweilers and Dobermans in order of attack. I am not a pitbull owner but it is the owner, the treatment and the training of a dog that makes it bite, not the breed. There is incalculable levels of actual scientific data that shows that the studies used to introduce BSL were based on bad scientific evidence.

Also one of the biggest contributing factors to dog bites, is not in act breed, but it whether or not the dog is neutered. 70-76% of all reported dog bites in the US are done by intact male dogs, so maybe or efforts are better focused on neutering programs and bite prevention from a more holistic perspective.

Educate yourself before you make blanket statements about something you don't know about.

http://www.dogownersrights.com/articles/ontpresent.htm

http://lassiegethelp.blogspot.de/2007/08/dangerous-breeds-dog-bite-statistics.html

http://www.stritch.luc.edu/depts/injprev/MiscInj2.pdf

Regards,

Aja O'Gorman

[Chill]

You do know he's coming from a county in Florida with a similar ban that forced him and his family to live further away from his place of employment? You do know he has done the research into breed bans, and has been working to have them overturned in other jurisdictions too, right?

[Jeff]

I don't agree with the pit bull ban - the problem is the dog owners who use their dogs as weapons. Along with licensing I believe all dogs should be trained regardless of the breed in order to own one. I recall reading stories of a Pomeranian mauling a baby to death. Responsible ownership is what I preach. However, incidents will still happen just like people will still fight even though we have laws.

[victor T]

Hey Damien, your argument is sound and convincing but for one aspectf. You have no idea what he already knows about the ban. The reason the dog has been banned here are probably exactly the same as anywhere else it has been banned. Apparantly he has already, or his wife has made contact with people here to get up to speed on the issue. It seems to me that all he wants is for his family to join him in his new summer home. Dog and all. That too is not unreasonable, don't you think?

[Dawn]

What would happen if you were forced to move to a place and were not allowed to bring a member of your family?
Don't attack him for coming out fighting on this issue. He's just been told that he can't have his dog, his baby, live with him. As a dog owner, what would you do?

[Simon]

I disagree with this posting, Damien. Not on the issue of the pit bull ban, with which I happen to agree and so I am aligned with you on that issue. But rather on whether the ballplayer has any business voicing an opinion on the topic. Of course he does, and at least (I would argue more) as much as you. He has a pitbull and is coming from a jurisdiction the same ban which is in place for the same (legitimate or not so much) reasons. He has apparently been a pitbull advocate there and has likely done more investigation on the topic than you have. But so what? Again, the relative merit of the two sides of the issue he (just like you!) has decided to opine on doesn't strike me as the point. The point is whether he should express an opinion. You say no, and on that I just don't agree...the fact the media reports his opinion is another matter.

[IL Rescuer]

Here's more information:
When evaluating dog bite attacks by breed, a 2008 study compiled by The Coalition for Living Safely with Dogs looked at all dog bites occurring in the Denver, CO area during the prior year (a city that banned Pit Bulls). The study concluded that dog attacks were most common with the following breeds:

Labrador retrievers: 13.3%
Pit Bulls: 8.4%
German Shepherds: 7.8%
Rottweilers: 3.9%
Chows: 3.5%

Labradors lead the pack with the most number of attacks.
I'm certain that there is probably a greater number of Pit Bulls out there now than Labs so that says a lot. It still falls on the shoulders of the humans who don't do right by the animals.

[Andrew]

For all the times you say 'I understand' you waste no time trying to turn this into a flag waving issue? He's not disrespecting Canada at all. In any case, what do you propose to be the minimum amount of time that someone must spend in Canada before they can advocate legislative change?

Also, in what world would the Jay's get behind this issue one way or the other? Straw man much?

[ted]

I really disliked this article. The funny thing is, while I am against the pitbull ban, I am not even offended at the article's stance on pitbulls. I just hate the idea that Cox thinks Buerhle isn't allowed to have an opinion because of where he lives.

Unreal.

It just reeks of old fashioned ignorance "You ain't from around here buddy..."

Someone doesn't have to live somewhere to have an opinion on unjust laws. It doesn't take living in Toronto for a couple months to suddenly realize the difference between right and wrong.

Buerhle should be applauded for being passionate about something he sees as unjust and unfair.

[Colin]

He wants to live in Toronto with his family and not be forced to get rid of his dog, a member of his family. How is wanting that disrespectful to us? No law has 100% support from everyone. There are many people in California who would not consider it disrespectful if someone from Canada came and proposed that they allowed same-sex marriage.

Let him fight it, it doesn't affect you. If you're that offended, feel free to go somewhere else.

[LJ Lafleur]

Here's an idea: Make an exception and allow Buerle to bring his pitbull into Ontario, as long as he makes a very considerable annual donation to the Ontario Humane Society or a well-known animal shelter. I think this would be a good trade-off for all parties.

[liz]

Damien your are right that their are no bad dogs just bad owners.

Mark and Jamie have done their research on Ontario's Breed Ban laws and had been in communication with many in Ontario before the media buzz on this issue was news.

The reason for this ban should be throughly investigated again and maybe this time the truth will prevail. A good start would be reading this study and Ontario is addressed at page 16 http://supporthersheysbill.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Panic-Policy-Making.pdf

Note that one of the major incidents that brought Michael Bryant out of the "summer of the gun" criticism to spear heading the ban which feed into his drive for public attention was due to killing of a child by a breed that was NOT banned. After the inquest NONE of the recommendations were followed but the ban was implemented. The mother of this child asked to meet with Bryant NOT agreeing with the ban and Bryant refused while also ignoring the advise of the 43 experts that were against the ban as well.

[Bev Molloy]

Hi Mr. Cox, I have been around dogs most of my life in various capacities - woking at Vet Clinics, breeding, training, etc.
It has been an observation of mine that the very popular Labs and Goldens, your breeds of choice, have deteriorated significantly in temperament in recent years, with a huge increase in biting incidents.
May I ask, if you were to see your breeds banned due to being poorly bred, and either poorly trained or not trained at all. What would you do to have the deed rather than the breed persecuted?
The admirers of a breed with a noble past that excell in their working capabilites, that aid mankind, (i.e. Staffys and AmStaffs), are now doing that very thing, and trying to educate the public.
Sadly, like parenting, I think it would be more appropriate to license owners rather than the dogs!
Yours,
Bev Molloy

[Laura Tumak Hickey]

I can relate to Mark Buerhle's dilemma. I am an Ontario ex-pat who cannot move home due to this breed ban. Our children love their dog, and we'll stay here in Iowa where our entire family is safe. Mark Buerhle does not have the choice that our family has, and must either make a long commute or leave his pet behind. Nonsense.

[Mark]

This is a pretty wrongheaded and just plain dumb blog post. So I guess it went under the right person's byline.

There is no minimum residency requirement for having an opinion on a political issue. Buerhle's opinion has no legal force and effect. He can't impose his view of the world on us.

But he shouldn't have to muzzle what he thinks about certain laws until he meets the Damien Cox "Lived here long enough" standard. Expressing a contrary viewpoint is not a sign of disrespect. Especially when you are dealing with a law that already has suspect public support, and legislators working towards a repeal.

[Jim Cy]

I'm glad that you're a current dog owner and both breeds the at you own have good reputations. However, have you done any research on how many retriever bites there are? Surprisely, they have a great reputation as a family pet and could do various service dog work, but they are among the highest of bite offenders.

You're in the media, so you must know that whenever a 'pitbull' commits an offense, it's labelled by the breed in the headline, whereas any other breed, it's only referred to as a 'dog' bite.

Please educate yourself about pitbull and BSL legislature before trying to compare a pitbull to a cow or a tiger on your lawn.
www.beyondthemythmovie.com

It's unfortunate that Journalism is about reporting what version of the truth sells and not reporting on the entire story.

BSL legislature is the same in every jurisdiction and has no proof that dog bites/attacks are lessened.

Please provide the stats that have actually shown that since Ontario passed BSL the dog bites have significantly decreased. Your research should show that it hasn't and has remained consistent, regardless of the ban.

[Michelle Shepherd-Wotton]

Obviously he does know something about the laws otherwise he wouldn't comment on it. Since his dog falls into the vague description of Pit Bull - which isn't a single breed and encompasses several types, he is concerned about his pet's safety.
I am sure you are looking for topics to stir up interest but really questioning the manners of a new acquisition for the baseball team is boring at best. Unless picking on pitbull owners has become a new sport and in that case I understand the focus, How much do we get paid to be on side?

[Phil]

Weren't there any actual sports stories to write today?

[js78]

So since there is a ban on pitbull breeds in Ontario, what breed will be the next scapegoat and get banned and the one after that and so on and so forth until there are no dogs allowed.....slippery slope

[Al Cleverdon]

Are Canadian pit bulls different from American pit bulls?...The issues are obviously the same and he's done his homework so changing countries will not change his opinion.He has a right to that opinion and the right to "continue" fighting a ban he doesn't believe in.Simple as that.

[Adroc]

Damien - newsflash. It's an Ontario law, not a federal law, therefore he's not lecturing the "... country on its legal system, culture and values with respect to animals."

Secondly, maybe you should take your own advice and find out if him and his wife, who have been active in trying to overturn a similar breed ban in Miami, have actually studied the current situation in Ontario before chastising him for wading in on a topic you think he knows nothing about.

Lastly, maybe you should be a real journalist and call Mr. and/or Mrs. Beuhrle themselves before souring them on the city's media before he steps foot here.

[Jennifer]

This article is horrible, and poorly written. The ban is rediculous and such a form of discrimination, coming from a country that promises fairness and open doors to all. There is a reason why this ban has been overturned in other provinces/states (i.e. BC) -- because it is unjust and very reactionary. Those who are with it, have not done the research to understand how wrong it is. Look at some simple stats above...does that not tell you something? It's all about the owner, not the dog. Any dog can be trained to bite or kill. I bet most who voted for it don't know that this breed was originally bred to be nanny dogs! That's the type of loving soul they carry with them, and always will. I fully agree with Mark and am so proud to have another voice fighting for this amazing breed.

[Bert Ristmae]

Damien
you are the one who needs to do more research first.

1 the pit bull ban does not work. if some jerk wants a mean aggressive dog he can still train one from any number of legal breeds.
2 since the pit bull is not a true breed but a mix - the law has meant the death of thousands of dogs just because they look somewhat like a pit bull.
3 the ineffective law just gives people a false sense of security, people and animals will continue to get bit and then big brother will come after all the other breeds, one by one - look out golden retriever!

[Adam]

Umm...since we Canadians freely give advice to America and Americans on everything from who to have as their prez to the size of their meal servings and what their gun laws etc. should be, why can't this guy do the same? He HAS been here before, the Sox played here. And a lot of Trawnians who never even get to Buffalo have strong views on USA. They have had free speech for more than 200 years. We have it now too.
Anyway, I bet a reporter asked him. Don't shoot him for giving an honest and informed answer.

[Ron]

Damien, you have awakened the dog owners of Ontario. I am not a dog owner so I will not get involved in that conversation. But I believe most of your posters may have missed another point in this article which is maybe this guy is not a team player based on his comments after he got traded. His first reaction was to state the Marlins lied to him....not, I am really happy to be traded to Toronto. I also understand it is more about him than the team based on his past. My best guess is this marriage between Buerhle and the Jays will not end well.