Projet Montral calls for Anie Samson to step down over pit bull file

The OppositionProjet Montralhas launched an online petition calling for the resignation of Montreal executive committee vice-chairAnieSamson over what they say is her botched handling of the city's animal file.

According to the petition, Samson "refused tolisten to animal control experts, veterinarians, and city partners like the SPCA, who all stated unequivocally that breed-specific legislation (BSL) is ineffective, unenforceable, and counterproductive."

Montreal introduced a new animal bylawOct. 3 thatincluded sections concerning "pit bull-type dogs."

A Quebec Superior Court justicesuspended those sections that same day based on a legal challenge by the Montreal SPCA, which ultimately wants them declared illegal.

Justice Louis Gouin said the bylaw's definition of pit bull-type dogs was "vague" and "imprecise" in his decision.

The City of Montreal is hoping to appeal that suspension and made itscase before a Quebec Court of Appeal justice on Friday, who has yet to issue her decision.

Costing citizens money

According toSterling Downey, Projet Montral's spokesman on animal control issues,the controversialbylaw and the legal challenges it faceshave confused Montrealers and cost them money.

"We're looking at probably about $60,000 of public funds that have been spent just appealing this decision,"Downey told CBC News.

"Montrealers are clearly infuriated with what's going on,animal owners and non-animal owners. People are panicking. Public servants don't know which bylaws to apply."

The petition goes further back than the recent animal control bylaw to Samson's defense of bylaw P-6 Montreal'santi-protesting bylaw which was struck down asunconstitutionalinQuebec Superior Courtin June.

Downey added that the Coderre administration now has ahistory of moving forward on issues without public consultation and cited this summer'sattempted one-yearcalcheban, Coderre's 2014 failed callsto keepbars open until 6 a.m. and now the animal control bylaw.

• Did Denis Coderre move too quickly on the pit bull bylaw?

Samson 'should stand up to Coderre'

Downey says that as thevice-chairof the city's executive committee, Samsonshould be able to stand up to the mayor.

"She's clearly not capable of fixing this problem or providing any solutions that are going to bring people together on this issue," Downey said.

"If she's not capable of standing up to Denis Coderre, thenwhat is her role? An extension of Denis Coderre?"

He said the petition is a way for people to express their dissatisfaction with the Coderre administration.

The petitionwill be submitted at the next municipal council session on Oct. 24.

• Projet Montral vows to vote against pit bull bylaw