Outrage, threats in response to Quebec City pit bull ban
Dog owners, residents react to Rgis Labeaume's Facebook announcement on banning pit bulls
Quebec City's pitbull ban has sparked so much anger that police are concerned forthe mayor'ssafety.
There are more than13,000 comments in reaction to a video posted to Facebook on Thursday by RgisLabeaumein whichhe announces a widespreadpitbull ban in the province's capital. The commentsinclude thinlyveiled threats against the mayor.
- Quebec likely to follow Ontario's lead on pit bull ban, Philippe Couillard says
- Family of Montreal woman mauled by dog wants Quebec-wide pit bull ban
- After string of pit bull attacks, Brossard to ban breed
The QuebecCity ban will force current pitbull owners to get rid of theirdogs by the end of the year, or face escalating fines.
Six months to comply
Explaining his decision in the video,Labeaume said that as afather he wouldn't feel safe if his neighbour owned a pit bull.
"Even if a pit bull has never bitten, even if he appears to be friendly, the owner has six months to get rid of it," Labeaume said.
Some have gone so far as to threaten the mayor. One person referred to Labeaume as a dictator and another wrote "it will take an army of pigs to protect you."
But other pitbull owners simply expressed concern about possibly losing the companionship of their dogs.
Long-term Quebec Cityresident and dog ownerDave Dupont, pleaded with Labeaume to reconsider the decision.
"Pit bulls are not mean dogs," Dupontsaid. "It is their owners who make all the difference."
Dupont said his six-month-old pit bull is the "most affectionate" dog and that while he could understand imposing stricter rules for dog owners, an outright ban was unnecessary.
"I love Quebec City but I won't have any other choice but to move."
'We have to check each comment'
Given the intensity of theFacebook comments,Quebec City police officers are on the lookout for criminal threats against Labeaume.
- Citizen outcry prompts Candiac to ban new pit bulls
- Pit bull owner and trainer says breed-specific ban not the answer
"It's very tough for us so we have to check each comment," policespokesperson PierrePoirier said.
He added that if anyone files a complaint with the police about threats against the mayor then police will investigate.
Ban starts next year
Starting Jan. 1, 2017 any dog on the list of banned breeds will be prohibited.
Anyone caught with a banned dog is subject to a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offence.
The list of banned breeds in Quebec City includes:
-
Bull terriers.
-
Staffordshire bull terriers.
-
American pit bull terriers.
-
American Staffordshire terriers.
-
Any mix with these breeds.
Montreal not in the same 'frame of mind'
MontrealMayor Denis Coderre andmunicipal councillorAnie Samson,who is incharge ofthe city's animal file, will make an announcement regarding pit bulls Saturday morning.
In an interview on Radio-Canada'sGravel le matin Friday morning,Coderresaid he is not in the same "frame of mind" as Labeaume when asked about Montreal's plans.