What happened to those almost-outlawed dogs Nova Scotia rescued from Montreal?

Rescue groups in Nova Scotia are vowing tofind homes for more dogs from shelters in Montreal if Quebec's top court overturns a ruling that halted a controversial,citywide ban onpit bulls.

The City of Montrealis making its case Fridayfor repealing the suspension. Dog rescue groups say the ban is unfair butMayor Denis Coderrehassaid it is in the interest ofpublic safety.

Respondingto shelters' pleas

Montreal introduced new rules governing dangerous dogs after a woman was killed in a dog attack in the city's eastend in June.

Shelters began reaching out to other cities andprovinces to relocate pit bulls and similar breeds on the ban listfor fear they'd beeuthanized.

Rescue groups in Nova Scotia responded to theplea to help save the dogs at risk of death row.

Where are they now?

To find out where these Montreal dogsare now, CBC checked in with a couple of rescue groups in the Halifax area.

Litters 'n Critters Rescue Society has so far brought 12 dogs to Nova Scotia,with another arriving on Tuesday. Of the dozen dogs already here, 11 have been adopted.

Good Bones Dog Rescue has helped relocate six dogs ranging in age from 18 months to eight years. Their most recent arrival, Hunter, came two weeks ago.

TerriCooper of Good Bones said they've found permanent homes for four dogs whileone remains in foster care. Hunter leaves this weekendfor a trial visit with a potentialadoptive family.

Some questions rescue groups ask shelters about dogs:

• Are they good with other dogs?
• Do they have a male or female dog preference?
• Are they cat friendly?
• Are they children friendly?
• How well do they do with older children?
• How well do they do on a leash?
• Do they react to other dogs walking by or loud noises such as air brakes or big trucks?

What happens if there's a ban again?

Both groups saidif the court reinstates a ban, they'll find more homes in Nova Scotia for the outlawed dogs.

"We are definitely going to play our part and secure foster homes so that we're able to bring more dogs in and successfully rehome them to loving homes," said Cooper.

Shelley Cunningham, founder of Litters 'n Critters, will be watching the appeal closely.

"It's just waiting on pins and needles to see what's going to happen," she said.

One of her concerns is that a ban in Montreal could set a precedent that places in other provinces will want to follow.

In Nova Scotia, pit bullsare already banned in the communities ofGuysboroughand Clarks Harbour.

Morepit bullsthan you can shake a stick at?

Cunningham saidrescue groups in Nova Scotia co-ordinate with one another to see who can help certain dogs.

She keeps track of how many dogs Litters 'n Critters brings in, so as not to put a strain on foster families.

"We are not going to overload Nova Scotia with pit bulls," she said. "We're not going to be bringing in hundreds and hundreds of dogs."

She also addressed concerns some people have around rescue groups in the province bringing in dogs from other parts of the country.

"If anyone in Nova Scotia has a dog that needs to berehomed, we will always look after them first," she said.

"We have our priorities, but our major priority is dogs period."

• Judge extends suspension of Montreal pit bull ban