Dogsey

The owner of a new dog-friendly café has upset some owners by refusing to allow pit bulls. Sit'N'Stay Dog Café is due to open in Ottawa at the end of October, with dogs being allowed to accompany their owners when they buy coffee or pre-packaged food. The owner, Norma Dunn, placed a sign in the shop window, stating that no pit bulls are allowed. She says that the terms of her lease would not allow her to open if pit bulls were allowed and she would struggle to get insurance.

Pit bulls were banned in Ontario in 2005 but older animals born before the ban are legal if muzzled and kept on a lead.

Upset dog owners have reacted angrily, accusing Dunn of being discriminatory towards animals. The owner of a nine-year-old pit bull has called the decision “a disgrace”, pointing out that her dog has never been violent, yet cannot go into the café.

Dunn has stated that she likes pit bulls and never intended to ban any breeds, but although she disagrees with the policy, is obliged to follow her landlord's rules. However, she says she is is seeking further information on the restriction with respect to commercial leases and insurance. The “no pit bull” sign which was placed in the window of the café has recently been removed, with Dunn acknowledging that this was offensive, and she is urging everyone to “put their efforts to changing Ontario pit bull legislation”.