Montreal orders more than 500 pit bull owners to get rid of their dogs

The City of Montreal is investigating an error after nearly 500 pit bull owners were sent a letter informing them that their applications for a special permit to keep their dog were not completed.

Under the bylaw, the City of Montreal ordered current pit bull residents to apply for the permit by March 31.

CBC reports over 500 pit bull owners in Montreal recently received a letter from the City claiming that because their permits were incomplete, they will have four weeks to move their dogs out of Montreal or to a shelter.

The mix-up has resulted in confusion and outrage as pit bull owners who completed the permit forms properly still received a letter from the City. Now the Montreal Ombudsman is investigating.

“Our office is currently receiving several complaints from Pitbull dog owners who have received a letter informing them that the special permit they are requesting will not be granted because they have failed to complete their file within the prescribed time limit. The City grants them a period of four (4) weeks to dispose of their dog,” said the Ombudsman office in a statement.

The Ombudsman is advising those who received a letter to contact their office by:

By completing our complaint form on their website
By writing to [email protected]
By sending their request by fax to 514 872-2379

“Our office can not amend the regulations, but it can ensure that their application is fair and equitable,” said the Ombudsman.

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