The Montreal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has implemented a temporary protocol to "ensure for the welfare of the dogs currently under our care and who will be coming into the shelter in the weeks to come," following a Quebec Court of Appeal ruling that lifted the suspension on Montreal's pit bull ban.
The protocol is in place for all dogs regardless of breed. The SPCA has been critical in the past of Montreal's animal control bylaw and says the new policy is for all dogs over 10 kilos as "the definition of those dogs whose adoption is prohibited in Montreal by the city’s by-law is so vague and broad, that it is impossible for us to determine which dogs are targeted."
All dogs over 10 kilos will, under the new protocol, be transfered to partner rescue groups or shelters outside of Montreal, placed into foster homes or be quickly made available for adoption to interested pet owners outside of the city.
On Friday, the Quebec Court of Appeal overturned a temporary suspension of the parts of the city's bylaw dealing with pit bulls, which had been set aside in a previous ruling while the SPCA contested the bylaw in court.
The SPCA says the temporary protocols are the best option available as the legal fight against the pit bull ban continues.
"This protocol this is not a viable long-term solution to the discriminatory, unreasonable and vague provisions of Montreal’s by-law. It will be used on a temporary basis, during a transition period for our shelter during which we will be reviewing our animal services contracts with our various borough partners."
The SPCA also promises: "This fight is not over."