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Montreal bans pit bulls

Montreal pit bull advocates prepare themselves for city's ban on the breed

After that it will be illegal to own any new pit bull-type dog - a list that includes American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and American pit bull terriers - or any mixed breed dogs including those or bearing similar physical characteristics.

"In this case, the lives of dogs are at risk and that's a main argument for urgency in this matter", she said.

"If we are successful it would mean that the provisions of the bylaw that deal with pit bull-type dogs, which we feel violate some fundamental provisions of administrative law, as well as violate some articles of the provincial animal welfare legislation, as well as some civil code amendments vis a vis animals being sentient beings". According to the CBC, the dog that attacked Christiane Vadnais was originally identified as a pit bull, but police are now awaiting DNA tests to confirm the dog's breed.

Those in Montreal who already own one of the banned dogs will have to obtain a special permit for their pet by December 31.

"No matter what, if your dog is risky, we will be able to act accordingly", Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre told CBC.

"There is no evidence that breed-specific laws make communities safer for people or companion animals", the ASPCA wrote in an online statement.

They are unreasonable in that the bylaw treats all pit bull-type dogs as unsafe dogs despite what the agency says is the lack of credible evidence that they are inherently risky. Rabies vaccination is mandatory before March 2017 (all other dogs can be vaccinated before December 31, 2019).

Among other measures, the bylaw allows existing pit bulls to remain in Montreal as long as they are registered and owners obey leash and muzzle rules.

Adele to remove its pit bull ban in order to have the SPCA provide animal control. When asked about the exorbitant fee structure, Mayor Coderre responded by saying "those who want dogs must assume the responsibilities that come with ownership". Dog lovers point out that singling out a breed isn't an effective or even logical solution simply because any dog can be taught to be loving or brutal depending on the owner. Pit bulls are also prohibited in many Canadian cities, including Winnipeg.

stayontheblack.com

Montreal bans pit bulls