With the Ontario provincial election only weeks away (Oct. 10), and Toronto city budgeters quarreling over a looming bankruptcy, it's exciting to see the politicians hereabouts beginning to campaign in earnest over matters involving our uncertain future.
Just a couple of days ago, John Tory, the appropriately surnamed fresh leader of the Ontario legislature's opposition Progressive Conservative Party launched an electioneering challenge.
He stepped up to news media microphones and cameras to serve notice that his party is determined to take over from the stumbling Dalton McGuinty Liberal government in order to protect dogs and cats.
His first electorial promise: A Tory government will enact a law to punish Ontarians who abuse their pets with up to two years in jail, fines up to $60,000 and a lifetime ban on animal ownership.
Almost simultaneously, as if in tune with the provincial Tories, Toronto City Hall's socialist-led council stepped up to do something positive about the local dog's life.
Shortly after a council vote effectively postponed action to plug a $350-million budget shortfall, councillors together approved the provision of more off-leash areas for dogs in Toronto parks. They agreed to spend $1 million a year on "special constables" to supervise the dog runs.
Among the dog-cop's duties will be making sure female dogs in heat aren't allowed to roam free.
But questions have been raised. Such as those of citizen Jean-anne Moors, who wonders in a July 24 letter to The Globe and Mail: "How are they [special constables] going to do that? Observe all female dogs privates? . . . Isn't it doggie sexism to target females while male dogs can cavort, testicles intact?"
Truly thrilling political times, eh? - cm 24-7-07
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