Montreal has recently banned the breed of pit bulls and other pit bull-like dogs. It seems the stereotypical reputation of pit bulls being a dangerous and aggressive breed is spreading all across Canada. Provinces and cities such as Ontario and Quebec have also favored these bylaws. Various incidents in Montreal involving the breeds recently caught the eyes of local politicians. After a heated debate regarding the matter, the city council voted 37 to 23 in favor of the new bylaws.
Starting the first Monday of October, ownership of pit bulls and pit bull-type dogs will be banned. Since there isn't just one breed of pit bulls, many other dogs are affected. These breeds include: Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers and American Staffordshire terriers. Including these specific breeds, any mixed dogs with these breeds or dogs that have similar qualities of any of these breeds are also banned.
Just to think the actually banning of the breed was bad, the bylaw causes many issues for current pit bulls owners as well. Current owners are required to purchase a special license by the end of 2016, costing $150. Also, the dog must be spayed/neutered and must be up to date with rabies shots. As for the actual owner, proof that they’ve owned the pit bull before the bylaws were commenced and proof you are a resident of Montreal is required.
The new bylaw includes many other restrictions, affecting more than just pit bull owners. Any dog 20 kilograms (40 pounds) or more must be wearing a harness and be on a 1.85 meter (6 feet) leash when out in public. As for pit bulls with the new licenses, muzzles and leashes 1.25 meters (4 feet) long must be worn at all time. They also must be monitored by a person 18 years of age or older.
It is estimated that these bylaws and permits will affect 7,000 owners and countless amounts of dogs in Montreal shelters. This banning leaves many dogs in shelters with no hope of finding a home and are practically waiting out death. Citizens in favor of the new bylaws are blinded by the stereotypical opinion that all pit bulls are born with a naturally aggressive and vicious behavior. However, the real cause is the way owners raise and train the dog. Pit bulls are most commonly trained as fighting dogs due to their muscular built. Raised the correct way, they are very loving and friendly dogs.
Montreal isn't the first city to ban the ownership of pit bulls, including 20 U.S. states. However, many of the Canadian cities have already abolished the bylaw. Awareness about the breed must grow in order to abolish all of them once and for all. People need to learn that the breed is not the problem, but the owners are.
