Montreal Bans Pit Bulls: Should Capital Region Towns Do the Same?

Apparently the dangerous reputation of the pit bull is just too much for the city of Montreal!

The City Counsel of Montreal has voted in favor of a bylaw created by the city's mayor that will outlaw the acquisition of any pit-bull type dogs starting next week, and impose strict and costly regulations on the current owners of roughly 7,000 dogs.

The bylaw passed by a vote of of 37-23.

Under the bylaw, All dog owners must obtain a license for their pet or face a minimum fine of $300. The fee is $25 for all dogs. Plus, owners of pit-bull type dogs (American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers and American pit bull terriers), pit-bull mixes or any dog with similar physical characteristics have until Dec. 31 to apply for a special second permit with the city, or risk having their dog euthanized.

The dogs must be sterilized, micro-chipped and vaccinated for rabies by March 1, 2017.

Pit-bull type dogs will have to wear a muzzle while out on the streets, and their owners will have to provide proof they don’t have a criminal record involving violence.

Licenses for this type of dog will cost $150 a year.

Animal advocates complained the total costs could top out around $600, too much for many low-income owners.

No new pit-bull type dogs may be obtained in the city starting next week.

Opponents say similar bans have been tried and in other cities.  They say that the city should be going after the owners of dangerous dogs, and not the pit bulls.  And, they say that pit bulls in general are not that dangerous.

What do you think?  Is the city of Montreal doing the right thing?

Should any Capital Region towns consider this type of ban?

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