w  rd 2 the woss

Montreal adopted its controversial pitbull ban on Tuesday, September 27 after a very heated debate between the local politicians.

 

The city council voted 37-23 in favour of the bylaw which bans new pit bull-type dogs from entering the city as well as restricting current dogs and owners in Montreal in the next month.

 

This was prompted by the death of 55-year old Christiane Vadnais, who was mauled to death by a pit bull according to police. Her family demanded an immediate response by the city and since Montreal politicians were already considering some form of a dangerous dog ban, it wasn’t too great a leap to spur them into action to work out the logistics of a controversial breed specific ban.

 

Any dog that has a resemblance to pit bulls is subject to this bylaw. This includes American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and American pit bull terriers, and any mixed breed dogs bearing similar physical characteristics to the above mentioned.

 

Already existing pit bull owners will have to register their dog by the end of the year, with owners needing to be scanned for a criminal record and background check. They will also need to provide proof that their dog is microchipped, sterilized, and has all of its vaccinations against rabies up to date.

 

In addition, outdoors, the dogs will need to be on a restricted leash and muzzled at all times, without exception. Failure to comply in any of these rules could result in the euthanization of the dog. The pit bulls that are without owners in shelters are also scheduled for either euthanasia or relocation.

 

Opponents of this law such as the SPCA have promised legal challenges against this bylaw which comes into effect October 3. They have threatened to stop providing animal services to their 10 Montreal boroughs if the court challenge fails. They state this is because the new bylaw will result in healthy dogs being euthanized and this is against their principals.

 

Currently it looks like this bylaw will stay as it is but there are still rocky waters ahead as animal rights activists as well as owners protest against this breed specific ban.