• Quebec's dangerous dog law officially came into effect today, March 3, 2020, and we're here to tell you all that you need to know about this new provincial-wide law.
• Get all the information below.
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If you are a dog owner in Quebec, there is a new law that you and your furry baby must follow from this day forward. This is known as "Quebec's dangerous dog law," which enforces the need for any dog considered "at-risk" or "dangerous" to be subjected to precise regulations. The City of Montreal's official definition of a "dangerous dog" is "a dog that fatally bites a person or a pet, or an at-risk dog deemed dangerous by the city."

This new regulation officially came into effect today, March 3, 2020. When this law was first announced this past December, it received a lot of criticism.

As a consequence of this law, the City of Montreal released an official registry of "potentially dangerous dogs." Whenever a dog gets deemed "at-risk" or "dangerous," it will be added to this list.

This official registry, as of today, has over 100 dogs on it, from Montreal boroughs. The highest numbers of "dangerous dogs" are in Rivière-des-Prairies—Pointe-aux-Trembles (20) and Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension (15).

In this list, one can find the postal code, the borough, the name, breed, and colour of the "dangerous" dogs.

This law is not only to be upheld by canine owners, but doctors and veterinarians as well. Under this law, doctors and vets are obliged to keep track of incidents and upholding the provincial laws and report all of them to the City.

READ ALSO:New Laws & Regulations That Will Be Coming Into Effect In Montreal In 2020

The other new Quebec animal regulation that was passed in recent times was the enforcement of pet microchipping, to which owners may be fined up to $400 if such is not done.

Sterilization and microchipping were made mandatory by January 1, 2020.

The following comes directly from the City of Montreal's website:

"If your dog is declared potentially dangerous, you are required to comply with specific guardianship conditions:

• have the dog vaccinated against rabies, spayed/neutered and microchipped
• obtain a special permit
• have your dog wear a tag issued by the city
• ensure that your dog is supervised by a person aged 18 or older
• muzzle your dog at all times when he or she is outdoors
• keep your dog on a 1.85 m leash (maximum) except in dog parks and fenced-in spaces
• clearly indicate the presence of a potentially dangerous dog in your home by posting a sign visible from the street
• keep the dog at a distance of more than 2 m from any child under 16 months of age
• notify us no less than 48 hours before you move or separate from your dog.

If you fail to comply with any of these conditions, you may be subject to a fine and may lose your special license."

The City's official website states that "in Montréal, dogs that have been declared dangerous must be euthanized within 48 hours." 

You can read all about this new law here.