Fleeing BSL in Montreal
Donation protected
Last year I met a man named Justin, who you have probably met if you wander the Plateau neighborhood in Montreal. I was immediately struck by his 2 wonderful dogs, Scottie and Meeshka whom he very obviously cared deeply for. Over the past year, I have developed a friendship with Justin and his lovely pitbulls, offering them support whenever possible and the time has come to help him in the greatest way- by helping him get to Vancouver.
As some readers may know, Montreal passed BSL legislation in October 2016. This legislation is both financially and socially corrupt making it difficult for a lot of people to comply with for various reasons whether it be financial or for them being unable to meet particular requirements of the registration. The precarity of the situation is felt by all folks with pitbulls, and especially for those who are vulnurable. Justin, having two pitbulls and living most of the time between temporary housing or on the street made a decision to leave Montreal and fly to Vancouver where himself, Scottie and Meeshka can be safe. This has been a long term goal of his and has been rushed with the introduction of BSL.
So far Justin has secured Scottie and Meeshka's airfare including the crates by the generous support and kindness from an animal advocacy organization known as Freedom Drivers. The money raised through this GoFundMe will go towards securing his one-way ticket to Vancouver as well as provide him, in some small part the financial means to arrange housing once there.
From getting to know Justin, I can attest to him being a great friend to pitbulls, having shared his life with many over the course of many decades and offering help whenever possible with other pitbulls that he encounters. His heart is compassionate and I feel fortune to have met him.
There is no doubt the bond and love shared between Justin, Scottie and Meeshka. This campaign as well as any act of kindness and support is intended to give them the means to plant their roots and build a new life in Vancouver without the constant threat of being separated.
As some readers may know, Montreal passed BSL legislation in October 2016. This legislation is both financially and socially corrupt making it difficult for a lot of people to comply with for various reasons whether it be financial or for them being unable to meet particular requirements of the registration. The precarity of the situation is felt by all folks with pitbulls, and especially for those who are vulnurable. Justin, having two pitbulls and living most of the time between temporary housing or on the street made a decision to leave Montreal and fly to Vancouver where himself, Scottie and Meeshka can be safe. This has been a long term goal of his and has been rushed with the introduction of BSL.
So far Justin has secured Scottie and Meeshka's airfare including the crates by the generous support and kindness from an animal advocacy organization known as Freedom Drivers. The money raised through this GoFundMe will go towards securing his one-way ticket to Vancouver as well as provide him, in some small part the financial means to arrange housing once there.
From getting to know Justin, I can attest to him being a great friend to pitbulls, having shared his life with many over the course of many decades and offering help whenever possible with other pitbulls that he encounters. His heart is compassionate and I feel fortune to have met him.
There is no doubt the bond and love shared between Justin, Scottie and Meeshka. This campaign as well as any act of kindness and support is intended to give them the means to plant their roots and build a new life in Vancouver without the constant threat of being separated.
Organizer and beneficiary
Stephanie Eccles
Organizer
Montréal, QC
Justin Durrell
Beneficiary
