Animal rescue groups across the Maritimes are looking to take in pit bulls being forced out of Montreal after city council voted to ban the breed Tuesday.
The ban on so-called “dangerous breeds,” includes Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, a mix with these breeds, and dogs that have characteristics of any of those breeds.
No new pit bulls will be allowed in the city limits, and strict restrictions will be enforced on those already in the city.
READ MORE: Montreal city council bans pit bulls
Litters ‘n Critters rescue society in Halifax is considering taking in some of the “pitties,” after receiving requests from rescue groups in Montreal. But, due to the fact that the rescue relies solely on people fostering the dogs, they haven’t decided one way or another yet.
“This is a big undertaking, it’s not something we’re going to rush into,” Shelley Cunningham said Wednesday.
There’s no set date yet on when surrendered pit bulls in Montreal may be euthanized, however Cunningham said they are facing a time crunch as the city makes its decision.
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READ MORE: Montreal pit bull owners desperate for help after council passes breed-specific ban
A post on the organization’s Facebook page asking for help, donations, foster families and even opinions on bringing dogs into Nova Scotia has already gotten more than 700 shares and nearly 300 comments — mostly from people willing to offer whatever they can to help.
“The response is overwhelming,” Cunningham said. “There’s a lot of people saying ‘We can’t foster, is there anything else we can do?'”
“People are actually offering to rent vans to drive up to Quebec to bring the dogs back.”
Cunningham added that she doesn’t agree with bans being placed on specific breeds.
“It’s not right to judge an entire breed of dog on the action of one dog or people that didn’t train their dog,” Cunningham said.
Foster program a hindrance
Cunningham said that if Litters ‘n Critters does decide to get involved, they would need a list of committed volunteers ready to foster each dog brought in.
In addition, she said they prefer to put the dogs in “a foster home that’s familiar with bully breeds,” as they’re strong, active dogs that need lots of attention and physical activity.
READ MORE: 3 pit bulls seized in Ontario to be adopted out by Nova Scotia SPCA
She added that many of the dogs being brought in may need to be spayed, neutered and vaccinated, which means the organization could also be looking for donations from the public.
Litters ‘n Critters facilitates the adoption of dogs brought to their rescue.
Moncton SPCA preparing for potential influx
The Moncton SPCA says they haven’t received any specific requests from the Montreal SPCA or any other groups, but animal welfare director Nanette Pearl said they would be willing to accept a limited number of dogs.
The number of dogs they could accept would depend on resources they have available.
Any dogs brought in would need to go through the usual testing and vetting before being adopted out.
The group Freedom Drivers: Animal Rescue Transports is looking for people to transport targeted pit bull-types to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
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