You’ve probably heard about Ontario’s embarrassing Breed Specific Legislation law, brought on by the McGuinty government to “save our children” from so-called vicious dogs. The law has no stance, partly because there is actually no such thing as a “pit bull”; it’s not a recognized breed, however it somehow passed in the legislature, and since 2005, thousands of innocent family pets have been euthanized.

The myth that all dogs with flat heads and stubby noses are so-called pit bulls is a dangerous, fear-mongering tactic. The American Pit Bull Terrier is, in fact, a fantastic family dog. Don’t you remember Petey from The Little Rascals? Stubby, the most decorated dog in American war history? Helen Keller’s family dog, Sir Thomas? ALL pit bulls.

But I digress. The point of this post is to explain how social media is helping the cause of these misrepresented animals. Organizations like The Unexpected Pit Bull, Bad Rap and Hug A Bull are giving pit bull owners and advocates a positive forum to share stories, dispel myths and, most importantly, organize rescue missions and transport illegal dogs to safe spaces.

Along with websites and forums, Facebook and Twitter are playing a huge role in connecting rescue organizations with would-be adopters and supporters. These social media profiles are used to share stories of dogs in need, to collect donation funds and to raise awareness of the plight of these animals.

How are these sites actually saving dogs? The outcry about Breed Specific Legislation in Ontario has prompted dog lovers across the province to rally together and demand the law be repealed. Thanks to social media, people have been able to organize, and it is looking like Bill 16, otherwise known as Hershey’s Bill, may be passed into law, repealing the discriminatory Bill 132 and putting these dogs where they belong, out of the shelters and back with their families.

The internet makes it easy to support political issues. There are numerous petition sites online, as well as links to contact your own MP’s to discuss the issues that are bothering you. An online presence is now an integral part of an MP’s position, and, in my opinion, any tool that helps you communicate and share concerns with your elected official is a good one.

As a dog lover and the owner (or should I say she owns me?) of my second American Bulldog, I’m obviously biased. However, when my own furry companion, regardless of her actual breed, could potentially be taken from me via this archaic and uninformed law, I am pleasantly surprised to see dog lovers and animal rescue advocates rallying across North America to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

If you have any interest in this cause, please take a moment to check out Hershey’s Bill and learn how Breed Specific Legislation targets the wrong end of the leash.