http://www.pulse24.com/News/Top_Story/20050301-003/page.asp

If you own a pit bull, the battle to beat the ban is over. The controversial law that will eventually stop the breed from coming into the province has officially been passed at Queen’s Park.

The decision isn’t a surprise – the majority Liberals easily passed it through during their afternoon session on Tuesday. But it’s been highly controversial right from the start.

The new law, once it receives the formality of royal assent, will require all owners to muzzle their dogs whenever they’re out in public, have them all spayed or neutered, will fine all irresponsible dog owners if their pet attacks anyone, and will allow animal control officers and police unprecedented powers to enter a home and take an animal away if it’s deemed to be dangerous.

Owners who follow the new rules will be allowed to keep their animals for the rest of their life, but once they die, they can’t be replaced.

Proponents of the law claim it will cut down on attacks by the creatures. But opponents, disagree, citing statistics that show most fatal or injurious dog attacks are actually caused by other breeds – and this won’t solve any problems.

But Attorney General Michael Bryant insists it’s needed and agrees cities will be given time to implement the law.

“There’ll be a transition period, giving municipalities time to get ready for the law to take into effect,” he explains. “I would expect it will be either late summer or early fall.”

Trainers and owners are currently mulling their options in challenging the edicts.

To see unedited video of Bryant, click here.
http://www.pulse24.com/In_The_Raw/Raw_Video/page.asp#bryant

NOTE: The legislation still requires royal assent before it's proclaimed into law.

the vote was:

56 YES 23 NO