The Quebec Order of Veterinarians is calling on the city of Longueuil to revise its pitbull bylaw requiring owners to get a certificate saying their dog is not dangerous.
If you live in Longueuil and had a pitbull before their ban began in July, you could keep it if you provided a certificate from a vet declaring the dog wasn't dangerous.
There have reportedly been complaints that it's hard to get one because few vets issue them.
President of the Quebec Order of Veterinarians Dr. Joel Bergeron said issuing such attestations opens the door to possible legal and professional problems, so they're advising their members against it.
"What is asked by the certification is almost impossible, it's a kind of a guarantee that we're asking a professional to give especially with animals, we know that there are so many circumstances that can vary and modify their reaction and behaviour," said Bergeron in an interview with CJAD 800 News.
Bergeron said the city's bylaw should instead make it clear that they'll accept veterinarians' evaluations using a scale to determine the aggressiveness of a dog.
"Certification is a much important situation where it's so difficult for any professional even in human medecine to certify that an individual even a human or a dog would not ever be aggressive or reactive is almost impossible," said Bergeron.
Bergeron said it would also be useful to offer information sessions on prevention and awareness.