Adoption of the By-law concerning animal control - Stricter measures to improve safety and sense of security of Montrealers
27 septembre 2016
Montréal, le 27 septembre 2016 - The Mayor of Montréal, Denis Coderre, and the Vice-Chair of the Montréal Executive Committee responsible for public safety and citizen services, Anie Samson, wish to inform Montrealers that stricter regulations concerning animal control will enter into force on October 3, 2016, in the 19 boroughs. The new measures will be mandatory. Although these measures apply to all animal owners, specific measures will apply to pit bull-type dogs and at-risk dogs.
“The safety and sense of security of Montrealers are a priority. The By-law on animal control that was adopted today by the city council provides for more stringent control measures. I was deeply shocked at the recent events involving dog attacks. As a responsible administration, it was our duty to examine this issue closely and make the appropriate decisions,” said Mayor Coderre.
Highlights of the new by-law
The by-law which will be in effect in all the boroughs as of October 3, 2016, provides for the following:
• Obligation for an owner to obtain a permit for all his/her dogs and cats.
• A permit valid on the entire territory and harmonization of rates.
• The minimal cost of a fine will be $300, a significant increase.
• Sterilization and microchipping will be required for all dogs before December 31, 2019.
• Specific provisions will be introduced for dogs that have bitten. The owner of a dog that has caused the death of a person or an animal will be issued a euthanasia order for his/her animal. • The minimal cost of a fine will be $300, significantly higher.
As of October 3, 2016, acquiring a pit bull-type dog will be prohibited. Current owners will be required to apply for a special permit before December 31, 2016, otherwise they will not be allowed to keep their pit bull-type dog as of January 1, 2017. A calendar with the dates and locations where owners of pit bull-type dogs may obtain a special permit is available online at www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/animaux.
Owners of pit bull-type dogs will also be required to provide the following:
• A certificate of negative search of a criminal record involving violence.
• Proof of sterilization, microchipping and vaccination against rabies.
• Proof of residence within the city territory and of possession of the animal as of the date of entry into force of the by-law (October 3, 2016).
As of the date of entry into force of the by-law, all pit bull-type dogs will be required to:
• Wear a muzzle at all times outside its home.• Be kept on a leash of 1.25 metres or less, except in dog exercise areas or in an area closed off by a fence at least 2 metres high.
• Be under the supervision of a person 18 years of age or older.• Wear the tag delivered by the city.
Exclusive animal control patrol
Since July, a temporary animal patrol has been covering the Montréal territory to enforce the regulation involving animal registration and use of a leash. Their work was successful, because the number of dog permits issued increased by more than 50% in the last two months. The number of permits rose from 20,000 to more than 31,000. Approximately 900 statements of offence were issued to at-fault owners. A permanent animal control patrol made up of city employees will act in support of the boroughs, which are responsible for enforcing the by-law.
“Cats and dogs are part of our lives. There is one animal per every four Montrealers. We love our pets and rightly so. But this is not a reason to turn a blind eye to accidents of variable severity that can be avoided. It is a question of safety and the center of the new by-law,” said Anie Samson.