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Quebec government working group recommends most pit bull owners keep dogs

A pitbull named Athena goes for a walk at the SPCA, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in Montreal.
In this file photo, A pit bull named Athena goes for a walk at the SPCA, Tuesday, June 14, 2016 in Montreal. Most pit bull owners in Quebec will be allowed to keep their dogs if the government follows recommendation of a report released yesterday. Thursday, Sept. 1, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

The vast majority of pit bull owners across Quebec will get to keep their animal if the provincial government takes up the recommendations published Wednesday by a working group tasked with studying the breed.

The report recommends those who will have to give up their pit bulls are anyone with criminal records tied to violence or with past convictions of animal cruelty.

READ MORE: Montreal pit bull owner says she was turned away by dog trainer

It also says all other pit bull owners should be able to keep and walk their animals as long as they follow strict rules.

Public Security Minister Martin Coiteux created the working group last June, shortly after a Montreal woman was attacked and killed by a dog believed to be a pit bull.

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READ MORE: Pit bull attack reignites debate on banning specific dog breeds

In response to the attack and several others around the province, Montreal announced legislation banning all pit bulls in the city purchased after September 2016.

Montreal’s goal is to phase out the animal from city limits.

READ MORE: Montreal SPCA vows to dispute Montreal’s planned pit bull ban

Coiteux will now make a recommendation to Quebec’s legislature based on the working group’s findings.

WATCH BELOW: Pit bull bans and counter protests

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