With a new bylaw banning pit bulls expected to pass in Montreal by the end of September, dog rescue groups in Quebec have been searching for out-of-province shelters to save bully breeds currently in their care.
The pit bull prohibition comes after a 55-year-old Quebec woman was killed from a dog attack in June.
READ MORE: Police investigate whether Montreal-area woman was mauled to death by dog
One Last Chance Animal Rescue in Montreal has been working with Prairie Sky Dog Rescue in Regina to move pit bulls out of Quebec.
Jack is the fourth pit bull to arrive in the Queen City through Prairie Sky. His foster dad, Jon Claggett, said the two-year-old pup was surrendered to a high-kill pound in Montreal.
“He was at a shelter that basically gave him a week to find a home or else he’d be euthanized,” Claggett explained.
Jack’s story isn’t unique. According to Carolynn Williams of One Last Chance Animal Rescue, high-kill pounds are becoming increasingly full around Montreal.
She said at any given time, there are at least six bull breeds in their care.
“Right now the pounds are full and unfortunately some animals if they are not able to be saved, they will actually lose their lives,” Williams said teary-eyed.
“It’s heartbreaking, that’s all I can say.”
Williams said pit bulls are the hardest breed to place because of the impending ban, but the rescue group is determined to get some of them out safely.
Two adult pit bulls and four puppies are expected to arrive in Saskatchewan by Thursday. The dogs will be arriving in Saskatoon before departing for Prairie Pooches in Cando, Sask.
According to Regina Humane Society’s Bill Thorn, the bully breed ban will only be a band-aid solution. Regina does not have any breed specific legislation.
Thorn said he would like to see legislation improved to hold owners more accountable. He said blanket bans don’t address specific problems.
“To ban a specific breed kind of sidesteps the problem of dog aggression and improper action on behalf of owners.”
READ MORE: Quebec government proposes province-wide restrictions on ‘dangerous’ dog breeds
Despite a happy ending for Jack, rescue groups said many others aren’t as lucky. They’re calling for more foster families to open up their homes to take in any pit bulls from Quebec.
“Any of the foster groups in Saskatchewan, any of the ones in Montreal would love any support they can get from the public whether it be through donations or adopting a dog, or becoming a foster themselves,” Claggett explained.
Claggett is fostering Jack until he gets adopted out. He said the pit bull pup has a mild temperament.
“He’s a total softie. He’s a bark is much worse than his bite’ kind of dog,” Claggett explained.
“He’s pretty much a teddy bear as far as I can tell.”
Claggett said his only issue with Jack is that the pit bull only understands French commands.
So far, Claggett said he knows arrêter (meaning stop) and assis (meaning stay) but he said he’s working to better communicate with his new pal Jack from Quebec.
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