Petition launched to repeal pit bull ban in Craven, Sask.

A woman from Craven, Sask., has started a petition hoping to reverse a village bylaw barring residents from having pit bulls or Rottweilers in the community.

Sunita Montgomery, who has two pit bulls, learned about the bylaw through her landlord, who had recently received a letter from local officials.

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The bylaw notes a fine of up to $5,000 could be imposed in relation to Rottweilers and pit bulls which are defined as:

• American bulldog.
• American pit bull terrier.
• American Staffordshire terrier.
• Staffordshire bull terrier.
• A mixed breed dog that exhibits most of the traits of a pit bull.

"I was pretty shocked," Montgomery said, describing her reaction to learning about the bylaw. She added her landlord was also surprised by the rule.

The letter from officials did not say what action would be taken.

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Montgomery acted by creating an online petition that quickly gathered over 24,000 supporters.

"I honestly didn't think I was going to get the support that I did," she said.

Montgomery said a meeting with local officials has been set for mid-November. She hopes to persuade them to rescind the bylaw.

"Dogs shouldn't be judged by their breed," she said. Montgomery has two small children and said she is perfectly comfortable with how they are together.

"They love people and they love kids."

Craven is about 40 kilometres northwest of Regina.