The government of Quebec is proposing province-wide regulations on what it calls “dangerous” dogs.
The Journal de Montréal reported the Liberal caucus will present the idea at its pre-session meeting in two weeks.
READ MORE: ‘Zero tolerance for dog attacks’: Montreal imposes strict animal rules, focuses on pit bulls
It would classify dogs into three categories: dangerous, potentially dangerous and other.
Owners of dogs that fall under the dangerous category, including pit bull-type dogs, will have to sterilize their pets, pay higher registration fees, have their dogs muzzled and keep them on a leash.
Tourism boycott
Montreal’s impending pit bull ban may affect more than just local dog owners.
British Columbia-based organization, Dog Legislation Council of Canada, said it will boycott tourism to Montreal.
READ MORE: #PitLuvMTL frames pit bulls in different light
“While jurisdictions all over North America and Europe are getting rid of breed bans and making them illegal, the mayor of Montreal and his political friends have chosen to move backwards instead,” said Steve Barker, the Council’s head researcher.
“Dog owners around the world are now looking at Montreal and shaking their heads.”
So far, over 10,000 people have signed a petition supporting the tourism boycott.
“If politicians in Montreal decide to take the lazy approach to public safety and try to win votes by killing dogs, then they do not deserve our money,” said Barker.
“Montreal is becoming a laughing stock and, if its citizens are not happy with that, then they need to tell their mayor.”
Vote at City Hall
A protest is planned for 5 p.m. Monday after the city proposed stricter municipal regulations for dog owners last week.
This includes euthanizing dogs that have bitten someone more than once or who are responsible for the death of a human or other animal.
READ MORE: Quebec government advisory group not recommending pit bull ban: draft document
In the case of a dog attack resulting in minor injuries, the animal will have to undergo a series of evaluations and will be labelled at risk.
Owners of pit bull-type dogs will have to follow special regulations:
- Muzzle their dogs at all times when outside of their homes.
- Attach their dogs to a leash that is no longer than 1.25 metres, except for dog parks or in an enclosure that has a fence that is 2 metres or higher.
- The animals must be surveyed by an adult of 18 years or older.
- The dogs must wear a tag distributed by the City of Montreal.
The vote is expected on Aug. 22 and, if the proposal passes, the new rules will be in place by Sept. 26.
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