Montreal SPCA files lawsuit against city over newly adopted pit bull ban

The Montreal SPCA says it is mounting a legal challenge against the city over its newly adopted pit bull ban.

READ MORE: Montreal pit bull owners desperate for help after council passes breed-specific ban

The animal-welfare organization says it filed documents at the courthouse Wednesday hoping to suspend the application of some portions of the new law.

READ MORE: Montreal pit bull owners desperate for help after council passes breed-specific ban

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The SPCA alleges the sections that specifically target pit bulls are discriminatory and contrary to Quebec’s animal-welfare laws.

READ MORE: ‘Zero tolerance for dog attacks’: Montreal imposes strict animal rules, focuses on pit bulls

Montreal city council voted 37-23 in favour of the new bylaw Tuesday.

READ MORE: Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre maintains pit bull bylaw is fair

The legislation includes a ban on new pit bull-type dogs as of next week and restrictions on those currently in the city.

“We are hopeful that we will be successful in challenging the legislation in court,” Alanna Devine, Director of Animal Advocacy at the Montreal SPCA, said.

“We do feel there are some serious legal grounds on which we are going to be able to challenge this legislation, which is why we filed this motion.”

READ MORE: Montreal city council bans pit bulls

Several other cities in Quebec and across Canada already have bans in place.