It’s true. The city of Montreal in Canada has announced the ban of ‘pit bull-type’ dogs. By the end of this year, owning/adopting/buying an American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, American bull terrier, or ANY dog resembling such a breed will be illegal. By resemblance, any dog with a big head and wide neck can be considered in the ‘pit bull-type’ category. Yes, anything from a purebred to a mutt that looks close to the now-banned breeds will be illegal, too.
First off, how the hell did this happen?
In June of this year, 55-year-old woman Christiane Vadnais was mauled by her neighbor’s dog and died from her injuries. The dog has had two previous accounts of attacking people before Vadnais. This incident happened in Pointe-aux-Trembles, east of Montreal.
Since the loss, the family of Christine Vadnais have been determined to push their government for the pit bull ban. And now Montreal has taken the first step in the direction of “working to ensure the safety of our populace” as Mayor Denis Coderre states it. Basically, protecting the citizens from one specific-looking type of dog.
What does the bylaw really entail? Here’s a breakdown:
Pet-owners better sterilize and get a license or get fined starting at $300. Oh, and microchip them, too. Wait! Only four pets per home, but if you want more than two dogs, then pay an additional $50.
Okay, so this doesn’t seem that bad. There is a current problem with overpopulation of pets, and that is because owners refuse to spay or neuter their pets. Why have more pets with less homes? Better for shelters and the pet world overall to control the numbers.
By Oct. 3, any ‘pit bull-type’ dog is illegal. Dogs like this that are in shelters are scheduled to be euthanized.
Yes, you read that right. The legislation will not allow any pit bull from being adopted within the city. Then, the bylaw wants them killed. It’s that simple and that cruel.
If someone owns a pit bull-type dog, they have to obtain a special permit by Dec. 31. If not, the dog can be euthanized. Then, by March 1, provide documentation of the special $150 permit.
No, you’re not having a nightmare! This is real! ANY dog, recognized as a pit bull or resembling, if believed to be dangerous, can be euthanized. Even if that dog has an owner, if it is not documented by the date, that pet can be in trouble. Oh, and only one dog like this is allowed per owner.
The same day the breed is illegal, owners must have the dog muzzled at all times when outside of their home and on a short leash.
This is Lucky, a senior dog living in Laval, Quebec City Canada. Preparing for the new law, pit bulls are subjected to early muzzle training, but most are reacting to the change with heavy heads.
Time is running out for these animals. By the time this article is published, the lives of thousands of dogs have been negatively impacted -- or in line to be ended.
It’s important to understand that dog bites are indeed a public safety issue. People can be endangered by pets, but that is not the argument here. The discrimination against not only a specific breed, but dogs that are too similar to it, is unfair. Of the small percentage of dogs who are at the fault of their poor owners, there is still hope for them, too. But to also subject behaviorally sound and healthy dogs to this law is unacceptable.
Here is a petition to sign.
Visit Montreal SPCA for more.
