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From www.theobserver.ca web site Sunday, June 10, 2007 -

Local rallies to protest pit bull law;

LOCAL FAMILY WHOSE DOGS WERE SEIZED BEHIND EVENTS

JACK POIRIER

Saturday, June 09, 2007 - 16:00

Local News - A Sarnia family at odds with the city over the seizure of its dogs is taking its fight to city hall and the province.

Brian Edwards Sr., along with his son Brian Jr., have organized a pair of rallies next weekend to oppose the province's "pit bull law."

Edwards Jr., along with his girlfriend Cassie Bates, had four dogs suspected of being pit bulls seized by animal control officers on Wednesday. The animals, which include three, seven-week old puppies and their three-year-old mother, are currently being held at the Humane Society.

They are slated to be destroyed this coming Wednesday.

"It is totally ridiculous that a law could be this vague," said Edwards Sr.

While the dogs have some similarities to pit bulls, Edwards Sr. said they are mixed breeds.

The family has contacted Sarnia lawyer David Stoesser, but are not betting on getting their dogs back.

Stoesser told The Observer that the law is vague as it allows dogs to be destroyed based on the opinion of a pound operator.

"This law is not right," said Edwards Sr. "I'll fight this law even if the dogs are put down."

The family is organizing a noon rally next Friday, outside city hall on Christina Street, the Humane Society located at 131 Exmouth St. and outside MPP Caroline Di Cocco's constituency office at 201 Front St. N.

All three will be held in conjunction with one another.

A rally is also planned for the following day at noon outside the Humane Society. Petitions will be available to sign.

Anyone interested can contact Edwards Sr. at 519-344-8544.

Debbie McQueen, who lives outside Toronto, said she was enraged when she read about Edwards' story in The Observer.

"Why does Sarnia seem to have so many problems like this with the city seizing dogs?" asked McQueen, a pit bull owner.

"It's just not right."