Sherbrooke dogs over 20 kilograms will have to wear halter

The City of Sherbrooke is the latest to impose new regulations on dog ownership after municipal council voted Monday nightto make all dogs over 20 kilogramswear halters.

Mayor Bernard Svigny said the city will adoptnew measures to protect Sherbrooke residents while Quebec considers banning pit bulls after a string of attacks in recent weeks.

• ANALYSIS |Is banning pit bulls moral?
• Montreal pit bull ban could be in place by September
• Neighbour describes dog attack on woman killed in her backyard

Any dog heavier than 20kilograms, or44 pounds, will now have to wear a halter when it is not on private property and any apartment dog must wear a leash as soon as it leaves its apartment.

A halter isa head harness thatallows the owner to better control a dog's head, but the dog can still open its mouth.

As it stands, all dogs must be on a leash in Sherbrooke except in designated dog parks.

Prior to 2015, pit bulls were banned in the city but allowed in neighbouring communities. The ban was lifted after municipal mergers.

Sherbrookehas also imposed behavioural assessmentsif a complaint is filed about a dog's behaviour. The animal can be euthanized if it is found to be dangerous.