Dog owners lined the streets outside Montreal’s City Hall on Monday to oppose a proposed ban on pit bulls before city council as well as a pack of new rules that would severely restrict current owners of potentially dangerous breeds.

“When 38 per cent of all (dog) bites are coming from pit bulls, there is a situation here,” Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre told CTV Montreal.

Coderre's ruling party tabled a proposed bylaw that would ban the acquisition of pit bulls within the city, and place current owners on a tighter leash by requiring muzzles in public and criminal background checks for owners.

Those who run afoul of the proposed rules would risk having their dogs euthanized.

Opponents of the bylaw have drawn support from a number of influential organizations. The Montreal SPCA is threatening to stop providing dog services to the city if the ban is adopted. Veterinarians in the city say they have no obligation to put down healthy dogs.

“The professional responsibility that we have was not intended for those situations,” said Dr. Judith Weissmann. “Euthanasia was not intended for those dogs.”

The proposed ban was announced in June on the heels of a string of dog attacks in Montreal, including the deadly mauling of 55-year-old Christiane Vadnais in her own backyard by a neighbour’s pet.

Councillors are expected to tackle the issue either Monday night or on Tuesday. Several Quebec municipalities already have passed legislation on pit bulls that require similarly restrictive conditions. Ontario has banned pit bulls since 2005. The breed is also prohibited in many Canadian cities, including Winnipeg.

The proposed law outraged fans of the breed in Montreal, who maintain that breed-targeting blanket bans aren’t an effective way to combat attacks and ensure public safety. They’re advocating for a combination of education, regulations and strict penalties for irresponsible owners.

Pampered Pets of Westmount owner Anna Maria Ranieri held a pit bull spa day Sunday in opposition of the ban. She wanted to make a statement that the dogs are welcome.

"This is a really emotional time that affects all of us as owners, and I just wanted to give these dogs a good day," she told The Canadian Press.

SPCAs across the province joined forces last week to launch a website featuring expert advice that debunks breed bans and provides alternate solutions to reduce dog bites.

"We hope the administration will look at this in a scientific light, review their position, listen to real experts, and have a real policy to prevent dangerous dogs," executive director Benoit Tremblay told CP.

The emotionally charged debate is sure to continue regardless of the outcome in the council chamber.

“I can understand that we all love dogs,” said Coderre. “But you have to cover all the angles and protect the population.”

With a report from CTV’s Genevieve Beauchemin and files from The Canadian Press