Pitbull restrictions may become thing of the past

The city of Edmonton may change a bylaw that places restrictions on specific dog breeds like pit bulls.

The law requires owners of Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers to buy extra insurance, muzzle their animals and stay away from off-leash parks.

But there are questions as to whether the law in its current form is enforceable and effective, so council is now looking at removing mention of any breeds from the definition of restricted dogs.

Administration also found that the majority of Edmontonians surveyed believe that dog attacks are caused by poor training and bad owners.

The bylaw change has the support of the Edmonton Humane Society.

"We think it's a really progressive step for the City of Edmonton not to judge by breed but judge by behavior," said Humane Society executive director Stephanie McDonald.

"If you remove the bylaw, (owners are) going to license their dogs and so they can get the same support everybody else gets."

McDonald believes this change will help pit bull owners feel like part of the community.

City council is expected to vote on the bylaw change next week.