The Pit bull is a term used to refer to many different breeds of dogs, such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and more. There are many terms to describe this particular type of dog, but "Vicious dog" is not one you can always claim to. Unfortunately, in many places that is exactly what they are referred to by people and by law just for being the breed that they are, regardless of temperament.



Pit bulls are one of the most controversial and negatively perceived breeds of dogs all over the world. This is largely due to bad owners teaching these dogs how to fight, be violent, etc, not the dogs themselves. Not all Pit bulls are dangerous dogs, and not all should be treated that way.



In Castlegar B.C., Pit bulls and all of the dogs that fall under that category are considered "vicious dogs" in the city's bylaws. To license these dogs, it costs one thousand dollars for the first year, then it is halved the following year. Castlegar's neighbouring cities, Trail and Nelson also have a vicious dog license fee, but it is only three hundred dollars there. Why should a roughly half an hour drive be a seven hundred dollar difference for an innocent dog? Why is a dog considered vicious just for the breed it is, when it takes a violent action for any other breed to be put in this category?



A lot of people don't have that kind of money to spend on a dog, and therefor will keep it unlicensed and hidden. It is a known fact that there are pit bulls in Castlegar with no licensing. If the City of Castlegar wants these dogs licensed, they should lower to fee because it's obviously not deterring people from getting these dogs.



Some may argue that they could just move if the fee is too high. Unfortunately, it's difficult to just drop your life and home, and find a new house and job in a different city. Some also may argue that they could get a different breed of dog. Pit bulls are loving, playful and loyal pets that many people care passionately about and only want that breed. Also, who would take care of these dogs if everyone just got a different breed?



Lowering it to $300.00 dollars just as Nelson and Trail would work a lot better for people that don't have a high income and the law would be more likely to be followed if these people could afford the fee. In most cases these dogs are totally innocent, and wouldn't hurt a fly. What if they can't find a forever home because the fee in Castlegar is too high? Is that fair to these beautiful, loving dogs? The answer is no. No dog is born a monster. The monster is at the other end of the leash.



Thank you for reading and please consider researching the good aspects of pit bulls, as well as signing this petition to lower the fee. It's not fair to these amazing dogs, and their loving owners.