CKC would like to thank all members who took the time to contact Montreal city council, to express concern over a number of regulations in Montreal’s new animal control bylaw.
As you may be aware, the new bylaw,
available in French only, was passed on August 21, 2018 (49 votes for and 11 against) without amendments. We understand that the main goal was to gain consensus on the removal of breed-specific provisions. A 2/3 majority was required to pass the bylaw. If the bylaw did not pass, the 19 boroughs would have been able to adopt a bylaw of their choice. CKC views the removal of breed-specific regulations as a major step in the right direction and we welcome stricter dangerous dog laws that aim to increase safety, reduce the number of biting incidents and focus on owner accountability.
Although breed-specific regulations have been removed from the Montreal animal control bylaw, our efforts continue. CKC will be working to secure additional support for change from council in order to amend the new bylaw. We remain committed to seeking the removal of the ban on choke collars, prong collars and e-collars, and mandatory harnesses or head halters for dogs 20 kg+ (effective January 1, 2020). We also continue to seek additions to the definition of dangerous dog such as “Dog Self Defense” or “Provocation”, the removal of the automatic euthanization of a hybrid dog (i.e. wolf-dog mix), as certain purebred dogs may be misidentified as a hybrid dog. Importantly, we seek clarification concerning Section 22, (Number of Dogs), subsection 5 regarding a ban on owning a kennel. CKC seeks confirmation that CKC member breeders would be exempted. The exemption currently reads:
5) “an establishment specialized in the sale, custody, maintenance or care of animals exercising this use in accordance with regulatory requirements applicable”
Please watch for more details as we continue to work to ensure the interests of our members and their dogs are well represented.
If any members are interested or have contacts to help support our efforts, please contact Sarah McDowell at smcdowell@ckc.ca.