New animal bylaw passes

The city has passed its new animal control bylaw, which omits any mention of specific breeds of dog. This also encompasses the impending ban on calèche horses.

CTV spoke to the owner of the “pitbull-type” dog that attacked two kids on the weekend. I have not yet seen any indication the dog has been put down as dangerous.

Wednesday morning, CBC says the dog “will be euthanized” and carefully tiptoes around: “Police describe the dog as a ‘one-and-a-half-year-old pit bull that weighs 70 pounds.’ Experts have not yet confirmed the exact breed.”

Radio-Canada says that dog was known to be aggressive. Whoever decided to keep it in an apartment alongside little kids ought to be hung out to dry.

There’s a strong editorial in Wednesday’s Le Devoir about pitbulls and society’s responsibility to make sure they’re not a danger. Jean-Robert Sansfaçon says the breed makes up only 3% of the city’s dogs but can be blamed for 37% of reported bites to people. He doesn’t mention aggressions on other dogs, but I’ve heard reports of those as well.