If you haven't heard the news Montreal, Canada approved a bill banning new ownership of pit bulls and other breeds similar to the pit bull. The ban extends to include dogs that have characteristics similar to a pit bull.

Since the vote on Tuesday approving the decision against pit bulls, the Internet has exploded with controversy over the subject. The ban had originally been discussed to take effect in 2018, however, after the brutal mauling of Christiane Vadnais, the ban was declared much earlier. This new bill threatens the homes of many pit bulls and completely changes how local animal shelters will go about business.

Even in America, around 700 cities have some sort of ban, restriction or declares pit bulls as "dangerous." Along with pit bulls: rottweilers, bulldogs, American bulldogs, German shepherds and dobermans often face similar restrictions. The pit bull remains the most regulated breed and commonly has complete bans or mandatory sterilization in many cities.

After volunteering at an animal shelter for around five years, I have encountered many pit bulls. About 30 to 40 percent of the dogs I see every week are labeled as a pit bull mix. Similarly, I notice that the dogs who wait the longest for a forever home are the pit bull mixes. Almost every month, I do a special photo shoot with a dog that has been at the shelter for the longest period of time. Most commonly, these dogs have been at the shelter for almost a year. Can you imagine living without a home for a year?

On the flip side, I've seen these same long-term dogs get adopted. Nothing quite beats a big pit bull smile when they realize they have found a loving family. Just look at that grin:

I ask myself regularly how to change the stigma about pit bulls as I can only advocate with my personal experience. I have grown to love the breed; I have seen how loyal these dogs are, as well as how wonderfully they get along with children and other animals.I went to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah two summers ago and discovered that the sanctuary is the home to some of Michael Vick's former fighting dogs. One specific dog I learned in my time at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary has become a beloved part of the community and essentially eases new dogs into the sanctuary. That's right, a dog once used for fighting now introduces and welcomes new dogs to the sanctuary with more success than many workers at the shelter had prior to the pup's comforting presence.

One organization in Northeast Pennsylvania called Modified K9 advocates for pit bulls. One event orchestrated by Modified K9 is the K9 Rad Readers program which involves children reading to pit bulls. The program boosts literacy for children, opens their minds to newfound creativity and the dogs absolutely love the attention!

I believe the way to combat the ignorance about pit bulls is to inform about the breed. Being an owner of a bully breed, a rottweiler named Cocoa, I have always fought to understand why others would want to see my dog banned. Then I see images of dog bites or even maulings done by dogs. I understand fear, but I also believe fear is a powerful and festering weapon if left untouched and unresolved. I ask those against pit bulls to learn more about the breed, get in contact with some of the wonderful organizations listed in this article or even consider volunteering at a shelter.

In closing, my heart aches knowing the probable fate of many dogs in Montreal, Canada. I need change; I need justice for this breed that I have seen so many times prove themselves as devout and compassionate. I wish for more pit bull education in schools, colleges and work places. There can no longer be an ignorant indifference to this pressing matter. These dogs are fighting for homes, and we have to become their voices.