Target: Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture for Canada
Goal: Enhance legal culpability for pet owners who leave dogs off-leash.
In Canada, a woman secured a nearly half-a-million-dollar judgment after an attack by an off-leash dog left her with significant injuries that required surgery. In another case, authorities launched a search for a woman who fled the scene after her off-leash dog maimed and killed another dog. Each of these incidents represents a small fraction of the cases involving unleashed dogs that pass through the criminal and civil systems every year, not to mention the unfortunate circumstances that lead to injuries of the off-leash dogs themselves.
Despite the sheer number of serious injuries or even fatalities resulting, most punishments for negligent owners who leave dogs unleashed only amounts to a fine. Unfortunately, the legal narrative just changes when a high-profile tragedy – such as the death of a child – results. But prevention is crucial.
Sign the petition below to urge more stringent measures in Canada related to this issue.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister MacDonald,
Off-leash dogs account for thousands of injuries every year. Both humans and animals suffer the consequences. In the worst cases, lives are lost. And these incidents often end the lives of the dogs involved in the attacks as well, which compounds the tragedy.
Please take a closer look at this issue and advocate for laws that send a strong message about the necessity of leashing dogs. Enhance penalties and help create a framework focused on prevention.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Valeria Boltneva
