Dog owner prepared to move over Montreal pit bull ban

Quebec's annual moving day is just around the corner and that has many pitbull owners worried.

In the past few weeks, several cities and municipalities in Quebec have announced a ban on the breed, including the City of Montreal.

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Lina Giannelli moved inwith her mother in Saint-Leonard after finding herself between moving and jobs. Shesaid an inspector recently came to her home after someone filed a complaint about Olive, her pit bull.

As Montreal moves toward a city-wide ban, the borough of Saint-Leonard already has oneagainst pit bulls in place.

"I feel like I've been targeted," Giannelli said. "I haven't done anything wrong."

She said she will move if she has to,so long as she and Olive can stay together.

More inspectors

The city has already hired more inspectors,who are increasing patrols of Montrealthis summer to make sure dog owners are respecting current municipal regulations.

It has been stressful for dog owners, according to the Montreal SPCA.

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Spokesperson AnitaKapuscinkasaid the SPCA hasbeen inundated with calls by owners wanting to know just what regulations are in place and where.

"They are worried that their well-behaved dog will have to be muzzled for example," she said. "Or they are worried about the harassment they are getting on the streets."

The organization is already preparing to fight and make sure a Montreal pit bull ban doesn't come into effect.

"Banning an entire breed or type of dog based solely on their appearance does nothing to keep society safe," Kapuscinka said.

Giannelli feels thatMontreal shouldn't focus on prohibiting pit bulls, butinstead concentrate on the owners.

"Animals tend to reflect on the person that is holding the end of the leash," Giannelli said.