Prof. Lee Niel from the Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College spoke to the Toronto Star about the Ontario government’s plan to review the Dog Owner’s Liability Act, which restricts the breeding and handling of pit bulls.

Several groups have pushed the province to rescind the restrictions, arguing the legislation singles out one class of dog without addressing dangerous acts of other breeds.

Niel said “any dog has the potential to bite” and the legislation has given people “a false sense of security.”

She studies the behaviour and welfare of companion animals including dogs. She researches the causes of dog and cat aggression, as well as new methods to identify and manage animal stress.