Pet prohibitions probed

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by George Maddux

If the Animal Rescue Network is any example, the upcoming municipal island merger could be bad news for thousands of island pet owners. The long-time cat adoption institution based in Ville St-Pierre had obtained a municipal permit, but when the small town merged with Lachine they were informed that the permit was no longer valid. Although Mayor McCullock is sympathetic, council wants the 180 cats moved to an industrial area. The shelter, which arranged for the adoption of 250 felines last year, returns to court this week hoping for an extension on the order to move.

Over the last four years, many island municipalities have passed bylaws limiting the number of domestic pets residents are allowed to keep, forcing many pet lovers to abandon their dogs and cats. Currently St-Leonard, Verdun, Anjou and TMR allow two pets, dogs or cats. In Ville St-Laurent it's two dogs, three cats. Ste-Anne's and Outremont allow two dogs and five cats. For Montreal, Montreal West and Dorval it's two dogs and no cat limit. Montreal North permits one dog, two cats while Westmount and Hampstead okays three dogs, unlimited cats.

According to City of Montreal spokesman Pierre Laporte, it has not yet been determined whether the one-island megacity will maintain a single bylaw on the number of pets owners are allowed to keep or whether the total will remain determined within each borough.