A protest is planned for 5 p.m. Monday outside City Hall for those protesting stricter dog rules proposed by the City of Montreal.
New municipal regulations will be put before council, while many are expected to gather with their dogs outside to fight the tabling of the regulations.
READ MORE: Quebec government proposes province-wide restrictions on ‘dangerous’ dog breeds
The majority of the rules are geared towards pit bull-type dogs, which are often considered “dangerous.”
“The recent dog attacks in Montreal forced us to rigorously revise our regulations when it comes to animal control and making sure all our boroughs are on the same page,” said Montreal mayor Denis Coderre after the announcement last week.
The city also proposed that, as of Dec. 31, 2019, all dogs will have to be sterilized and micro-chipped.
READ MORE: ‘Zero tolerance for dog attacks’: Montreal imposes strict animal rules, focuses on pit bulls
Backlash has mounted since the announcement of the regulations, with many people citing owners – and not dogs – as the problem behind recent attacks.
What are the rules?
Dogs who have bitten someone more than once or who are responsible for the death of a human or other animal will be considered dangerous and quickly euthanized.
READ MORE: Montreal pit bull owner says she was turned away by dog trainer
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.
Special regulations for pit bull-types
Owners of pit bull-type dogs will have to:
- 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.
Owners who agree to comply to the strict rules will be allowed to keep their pet.
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