/R E P E A T -- Enforcing animal control by-law - Montréal creates an additional animal patrol/

MONTRÉAL, July 15, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Mayor Denis Coderre, along with Anie Samson, vice-chair of the city's executive committee and member responsible for public safety and services to residents, confirmed today that an additional animal patrol will travel around the city to ensure that the Animal Control By-law is enforced throughout the entire territory of Montréal, particularly with respect to annual permits and the wearing of leashes. Statements of offence will be issued in collaboration with the police department.   

"In June, I made a commitment to change the Animal Control By-law in order to prohibit pitbull-type dogs within city limits. At that time, I also announced that an additional dog brigade would be implemented. Beginning Monday, the animal patrol will begin its work patrolling the streets of Montréal. In collaboration with the police department, the patrol will issue statements of offence to persons with dogs off leashes or without a dog permit," said Mayor Coderre.

"The message is clear : In Montréal, you are required to register your dog. At present, only 14 per cent of the 150,000 dogs in Montréal's city limits are registered. Our objective is to see all dogs registered with the enforcement of the by-law and the addition of an animal patrol. I am confident that dog owners will take responsibility to adopt new behaviours. The new patrol is an additional and direct means to reach people with dogs in parks and public areas," added Samson.

How to obtain a permit for your pet
To get a tag for your pet, contact 311 to learn about your borough's regulations or visit an Accès Montréal office. In many boroughs, some pet stores, veterinarians and partner organizations also offer tags.

All of Montréal's boroughs require a yearly permit for dogs and many also require one for cats, even indoor-only cats. This information is also available online at http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/animaux (French) or http://ville.montreal.qc.ca/animals (English).

When you register your pet, be sure to bring proof of spaying/neutering and microchip number (if applicable). This useful information also entitles you to a reduced fee in some boroughs. The animal is then recorded in the city's pet registry and receives a tag.

All dogs are required to wear their tags. Non-compliance may result in up to $250 in fines during verification.

Reminder : Draft amendment of the Animal Control By-law
The new by-law will be modified and adopted by city council in September.

• Banning certain particularly aggressive breeds of dogs, such as pitbulls, with progressive and transitory measures for existing dogs (wearing muzzles in public, spaying/neutering and microchip implantation);
• Significant increase in fines;
• Implementing measures to ensure compliance of backyard enclosures for pitbulls and other dangerous dogs to keep the neighbourhood safe.

As well, the guide Living in Montréal With Your Pet is offered free of charge to all Montréal pet owners when they register their pet or provide proof of pet registration in Accès Montréal offices and with partners. The digital version is available online at www.ville.montreal.qc.ca/animals.

SOURCE Ville de Montréal - Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif

For further information: Source: Marc-André Gosselin, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif, Ville de Montréal, 514-290-1194; Information: Geneviève Dubé, public relations officer, Service des communications, Ville de Montréal, 514-868-5934