In the wake of Montreal's City Council decision on September 28 about implementing a breed specific legislation, there has been a lot of controversy on the topic.

The Legislation bans any new Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, a mix of these breeds, or any dog that looks like it has any of the characteristics of these breeds.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue founder Kim Hessel says she doesn't believe in breed-specific legislation because it is short-sighted and doesn't address the real problem.

That is people do not completely understand what they are getting themselves into when they bring a dog like a Pitbull into their homes.

Hessel says since the 70s there have multiple different breeds that have been the topic of BSL including Shepards and Dobermans, but the problem doesn't lie with the breed but with people not being educated or ready to take care of them.

"Whether it is a Pitbull, Doberman, or Sheppard they are strong willed breeds that are usually bought or sold to the wrong people and the animals are getting a difficult reputation because of it."

Hessel says that there are plenty of people out there that believe they know how to take care of a pit or what a pit needs, but they do not always understand the time and the socialization these breeds need.

She adds that is why it is always important for someone to talk through getting any dog, but especially these breeds because the lack of understanding and work with the dog is what can lead to aggressive behavior.

"A lot of times I talk to someone who believes they can manage a pitbull only to find out they don't have a lot of dog experience or time, and they don't realize the strength of some of these breeds. To me, it is common sense to think about these things, but some people don't use common sense when they think about bringing these animals into their home."

Hessle says a more proactive response to these issues is to make sure that anyone who is interested in getting one of these breeds or has one learns how to properly take care of them and work with their personality and strengths.

"I do think the bigger picture is if you are going to take on a dominant bully breed like a pit, a Dobby or a Shepard you really should know what you are doing and be responsible for everyone's sake including the animal you just took responsibility for."

Heaven Can Wait currently has Pitbull Cross', Sunny, Cher, Kight and Justice. Hessel and the rest of the staff at Heaven Can Wait won't adopt these dogs out unless it is to someone who has a genuine understanding of what they need. Hessel says that these dogs are all great with people, but they were not properly socialized with other dogs before they came to the shelter.

The photos below are from people in the community.

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