By now most people have heard that the
Montreal SPCA has launch a lawsuit against the City of Montreal regarding the
new Breed Specific Bylaw targeting pitbulls. A bylaw based on
misinformation and fear. During
the summer of 2016, at the
request of the provincially appointed dangerous dogs working group, we provided our position, advising strongly against a breed specific bylaw due to its
ineffectiveness in ensuring public safety. In the end, despite consultation with PIJAC Canada,
SPCAs, the veterinary community and many other municipalities and organizations
the city of Montreal has decided to go ahead
with a ban on pitbull/pitbull-type dogs. Instead of embracing scientific
evidence and existing data the city has chosen to support breed specific
legislation, when all the expertise points to the contrary. Throughout this
debate the Montreal SPCA has done a phenomenal job working to educate their
citizens about the myths surrounding pitbulls and the reality of dangerous
dogs. Despite everyone's best efforts, the mayor and a majority of council made a
decision that will end up putting in danger the
lives of hundreds of perfectly good dogs.
Punishing
responsible pet families takes focus and resources away from addressing the
real issue which is public safety, something all sides agree on. We
have offered our assistance to the Montreal SPCA, had a meeting of the National Companion Animal Coalition (CVMA, CKC, CFHS, PIJAC Canada) and corresponded with
many other organizations across the country on this issue. Everyone is in
agreement that we will continue working to change the outcome.
Click below to access the press release.
Click below to access the press release.