Sherbrooke dogs over 20 kilograms will have to wear halter

The City of Sherbrooke is the latest to impose new regulations on dog ownership after municipal council voted Monday night to make all dogs over 20 kilograms wear halters.

Mayor Bernard Sévigny said the city will adopt new measures to protect Sherbrooke residents while Quebec considers banning pit bulls after a string of attacks in recent weeks.

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Any dog heavier than 20 kilograms, or 44 pounds, will now have to wear a halter when it is not on private property and any apartment dog must wear a leash as soon as it leaves its apartment.

A halter is a head harness that allows the owner to better control a dog's head, but the dog can still open its mouth.

As it stands, all dogs must be on a leash in Sherbrooke except in designated dog parks.

Prior to 2015, pit bulls were banned in the city but allowed in neighbouring communities. The ban was lifted after municipal mergers.

Sherbrooke has also imposed behavioural assessments if a complaint is filed about a dog's behaviour. The animal can be euthanized if it is found to be dangerous.