Barrette doubles down on opinion to ban pit bulls

Health Minister Gaétan Barrette says he still believes pit bulls should be banned, despite an advisory group that reportedly suggested otherwise.

Earlier this month, The Canadian Press obtained a copy of report drafted by a government-appointed panel looking into how to regulate dangerous dogs in Quebec.

• Quebec advisory group not recommending pit bull ban
• Quebec looking at tighter pit bull regulations after recent incidents​

The report contained no mention of banning specific breeds, such as pit bulls, suggesting instead the government adopt a case-by-case approach. 

But Barrette's comments on Saturday indicate such a proposal would face at least some opposition within cabinet.

The minister reiterated he had seen first-hand the damage the dogs can cause after one attacked a child in his riding of Brossard last September.

• Girl victim of vicious dog attack in Brossard

Barrette says there will be much debate once the full report by the working group is released.

Still, he says he stands by his opinion to ban pit bulls.

"Zero risk doesn't not exist but the risk with these dogs is greater than with other dogs," he said.

"A pit bull, with its aggressiveness, has a bite that causes a lot of damage. That's really well known. It's not a revelation so it has become a security issue."

• What are the options when it comes to regulating dogs?
• Is banning pit bulls moral?