Longueuil imposes restrictions on pit bulls and other large dogs

In this file photo, a pit bull clears a hurdle on an obstacle course at K9 school in Stone Ridge, N.Y., Wednesday, Nov.4, 2015.(AP / Mike Groll / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The city of Longueuil has voted to adopt a ban on pit bulls and impose restrictions on all large dogs.

Pit bulls already in the community will be allowed to stay, but no new pit bulls or pit bull crossbreeds will be allowed in the city.

People who already own pit bulls would be required to put their animals through an obedience course and have medical certification that the dog is not dangerous.

Owners will have to provide a veterinarian's certificate that the dog has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and has had a microchip implanted.

Everyone under age 18 will also be forbidden from walking a pit bull in public. Pit bulls will also be required to be muzzled whenever outside.

In addition every large dog in Longueuil, 20 kg and up, will have to wear a harness whenever they are outside, although guide dogs and service dogs will be exempt.

Every dog in Longueuil will also have to be on a short leash (under 2 m) at all times when outside and off its owner's property.

The city is also increasing the fines for scofflaws, and has already increased the number of patrollers devoted to enforcing animal control bylaws.

The new bylaw comes into effect on July 13.

In the past month multiple municipalities in Quebec have imposed new restrictions on pit bulls, and the provincial government is pondering legislation to deal with the animals, in the wake of a deadly attack by a dog in Montreal.

Laval to lobby Ottawa

Meanwhile Laval city council has ordered bureaucrats to come up with methods to require responsible dog ownership.

Mayor Marc Demers said in a council meeting Tuesday that the Criminal Code should be altered to explicitly regulate the issue.

He plans to lobby the federal government accordingly.

In the meantime, Laval will also check up to ensure dogs are licensed.

It will also increase penalties for aggressive dogs with fines for owners and euthanize dogs that bite people.

Laval is also considering regulations to force dogs to wear muzzles when outside.