Laval wants national standards for dangerous dogs

The City of Laval wantsOttawa to make changes to the Criminal Code of Canada to create uniform rules across the country to deal with the problem of dangerous dogs.

Right now, it's possible to charge owners of dogs who attack people with criminal negligence,but it rarely happens.

Laval Mayor Marc Demerssaid Wednesdaythat the article in the Criminal Code dealing with criminal negligence should be amended to make specific reference to the responsibilities of dog owners.

"We would like the federal government to do its homework, so it would be all across Canada the same thing, it won't change from city to city," Demerstold CBC News.

"That way, across the country, if you bring up your dog to be vicious so he may attack somebody, you are responsible for that."

• Quebec likely to follow Ontario's lead on pit bull ban, Couillard says
• What are the options when it comes to regulating dogs?

No charges have been laid yet in the case of apit bull that attacked and killed a womanin Montreal last month.

Police are still investigating.

Laval city council also passed a resolution Tuesday night asking its ownbureaucrats to draw up new bylawsthat target owners ofdangerous dogs.

Province-wide pitbull ban?

Municipalities across Quebec have introduced a spate of new rules targeting pit bulls and dangerous dogs since last month's fatal attack.

Longueuil city council passed a ban on pit bulls Tuesday night. The ban will take effect next week.

Montreal is planning a similar ban.

Premier Philippe Couillardhas said he would "probably"follow Ontario's leadand pass a province-wide ban on pit bulls.