Montreal SPCA to challenge pit bull ban, now in effect, in court today

Montreal's new animal control bylaw, which includes aban on pit bulls, comes into effect today across all 19 boroughs.

Under the new bylaw, pit bulls and pit bull-like dogs will need to be registered with the city by Dec. 31, 2016. The registration costs $150.

These dogs will also need to be muzzled at all times when they are outside and kept on a 1.25-metre leash.

Owners who violatethese rules could have their dogs put down.

• Quebec Order of Veterinarians says vets have right to refuse to euthanize pit bulls

SPCA in court over bylaw

The SPCA isin QuebecSuperior Court Monday to challenge the bylaw.

• For more on the court proceedings, click here

Some of the issues they have with itinclude its "vagueand imprecise" definition of a "pit bull-type dog" andits lack of a means to challenge that classification.

• Pitbull owners still unclear on how to prove a dog's breed

A second court challenge is being planned bya Montreal-basedcoalitionoflawyers and experts in animal behaviour.

Even if one of these legal challenges succeeds in seeing Montreal's new bylaw repealed, Quebec is still working on its own provincial legislation.

Premier Philippe Couillardsaid this summerthat Quebec would "probably" follow Ontario's lead onlegislation that banspit bulls.

• Dog lovers protest looming Quebec pit bull legislation

Dog owners prepare

Some Montrealpit bull owners have been trying to prepare for today by getting their dogs used to wearing a muzzle.

Ana Iordachescuhas been taking muzzling workshops with her dog, Jade.

She told CBC News she'd be depressed if the city took her dog away.

"She's my little baby. I see her every day, and I sleep with her every night," Iordachescu said. "I love her."

Support for pit bulls from other provinces, U.S.

Dog lovers inother provinces have stepped up to show support for Montreal's pit bulls.

Offers have come fromSaskatchewan,Alberta,P.E.I.and elsewhereto take in dogs affected by the ban.

Support for the embattled breed has crossed the border as well.

A New York-based pit bulladvocacy group is protesting the bylaw with a petition:"Montreal Banned Pit Bulls, so We Ban Montreal!"The petition has collected more than 60,000 signatures.

Even celebritiessuch asCyndiLauperhave spoken out against the ban.

• Own a dog or catin Montreal? Here's what's next
• Is banning pit bulls moral?