Montreal to crack down on unlicensed dogs

Even though it's obligatory for Montreal dog owners to get licences for their pets, the majority are unregistered.

The same requirements apply for cats in some boroughs as well. Only 20,000 dogs are registered, but the city believes there are 145,000 living in the 19 boroughs. 

"Starting this summer, we are strengthening our canine brigades and police will also be mandated to enforce the rules in parks and public spaces. There will surely be people who won't be happy," said Anie Samson, vice-president of Montreal's executive committee and responsible for the animal file.

If we can get a better portrait, it will allow us to better target [and] recognize where the problem animals are regardless of race.- Joël Bergeron, president, Quebec Order of Veterinarians

The cost of animal licences varies from one borough to the next, but the average is $25 for dogs that are spayed or neutered and $50 for dogs that aren't.

In Montreal North, the licence is free and a door-to-door campaign has pushed the number of registered dogs up to about 4,000, the highest number of all the city's boroughs.

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Joël Bergeron, president of Quebec's Order of Veterinarians, said it's important to increase this rate in order to get a better picture of the situation and make informed decisions about animal management.

"If we can get a better portrait, it will allow us to better target [and] recognize where the problem animals are regardless of race," he said.

A portrait of Montreal's dogs

According to city statistics, which are based on the animals that are registered, the most popular dogs are Labradors, shih tzus and Yorkshire terriers.

Pit bulls rank fifth, behind the golden retriever and ahead of the German shepherd.

The data show that the popularity of the breeds varies from one borough to another. For example, shih tzus reign supreme in Montreal North, Saint-Leonard, Anjou and LaSalle.

New rules on the way

Though the different boroughs have different animal-related regulations, in 2013 the city tried to make sure all 19 boroughs had basic laws in common.

But serious incidents involving dogs, including the death of Christiane Vadnais, attacked by a pit bull in her yard in June, increased the pressure on the Coderre administration.

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As a result, several changes will be made in the fall.

"The proposal is ready, but it is not final. In the new regulations that will be tabled in September, we will focus on dog owners' responsibilities," Samson said.

Pit bull owners will be singled out since the dogs will be banned when the new regulations are passed, but those who already own that breed of dog will have to adhere to strict rules.