Montreal unleashes additional animal inspectors

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre announced that more animal controlinspectors will behittingthe streets today, less than two months before the city considers aban onpit bulls.

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In collaboration with police, the inspectorswill be responsible for enforcingthe city's animal control by-law and will particularly be on the lookout for dogs without leashes or permits.

Owners face a minimum fine of $100for dogs caught off-leash.

If an inspector catches a dog without a tag, it could cost owners $250. And if an unregistered dog is a breed considered dangerous by the city, the inspector can confiscate the animal.

"The message is clear: In Montreal, you are required to register your dog. At present, only 14 per cent of the 150,000 dogs in Montreal's city limits are registered," said CouncillorAnieSamson,vice-chair of the city's executive committee and the personresponsible for theanimal control file.

Though the city'sannouncementmostly made mention of dogs, many boroughs require that cats have a yearly permit as well, including indoor-only cats.

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The city is encouraging owners to call 311 or visit an Accs Montraloffice to obtain a permit andtag for their petsand to getfamiliar with their borough's regulations.

Amendments to Montreal's animal control by-law will be tabled at city council in September that would bananyone from owningnew pit bulls or other dangerous breeds. The list of dangerous breeds will be announced next month, Samson said.

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The proposedrules would allow existing owners of these breedsto keep their dogs, but theywill have to be registered, spayedor neuteredand wear a muzzle in public.

The recent move towards stricter animal control laws comes after a string of serious dog attacks in Montreal and surrounding regions.

In June, 55-year-old Christiane Vadnais was found dead in her backyard after being mauled by a pit bull.