Montreal man given $664 fine for tying dog to parking meter while grabbing a croissant
A Montreal man who tied his dog to a parking meter while he entered a bakery is now facing a hefty fine for breaking a law he had no idea existed.
He's warning other pet owners who may face similar fines.
"It's something that I've seen other people do, myself included," said Dimitar Beshkov, with his four-year-old mutt Indy.
On Thursday, Beshkov popped in for a croissant on Rachel Street and tied Indy to a meter outside.
When he came out, less than five minutes later, a Montreal police (SPVM) officer was waiting to give him a ticket for $664.
"That's quite a shock," he said. "I was really not expecting it. That's groceries for an entire month."
Indy was tied up outside of a cafe while his owner grabbed a croissant. The owner was given a $664 ticket for the act. (Kelly Greig, CTV News)
According to the City of Montreal's website, tying a dog to a tree or street furniture is prohibited under provincial law.
At all times, a dog must be under the control of a person capable of controlling it.
It is a law the SPCA supports.
"Though it may seem ridiculous, in these particular circumstances, very strictly regulating when dogs can be tied outside is actually sound policy in terms of animal welfare and public safety," said SPCA lawyer Sophie Gaillard.
She said that it's not a commonly known rule, and the organization is pushing for more dogs to be allowed in businesses.
"I think the issue here is perhaps in the discretion the police officer used," she said.
Beshkov said that Indy was not off his leash at any time, and he was watching him through the window. While he's well aware of other laws about dogs being supervised, this law was a shock.
"We've known about letting our dogs in the park," he said. "That's a big no-no. So we don't do it, but for doing something so simple as just grabbing baked goods for two minutes, it's, I don't know..."
He and his wife are now warning other dog owners who had no idea that this wasn't allowed.
"She posted online, [and] all our friends are very shocked to hear this. I didn't know about the law," said Beshkov.
Beshkov said he plans to contest the ticket.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Donald Trump says he urged Wayne Gretzky to run for prime minister in Christmas visit
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump says he told Canadian hockey legend Wayne Gretzky he should run for prime minister during a Christmas visit but adds that the athlete declined interest in politics.
Historical mysteries solved by science in 2024
This year, scientists were able to pull back the curtain on mysteries surrounding figures across history, both known and unknown, to reveal more about their unique stories.
King Charles III focuses Christmas message on healthcare workers in year marked by royal illnesses
King Charles III used his annual Christmas message Wednesday to hail the selflessness of those who have cared for him and the Princess of Wales this year, after both were diagnosed with cancer.
Mother-daughter duo pursuing university dreams at the same time
For one University of Windsor student, what is typically a chance to gain independence from her parents has become a chance to spend more time with her biggest cheerleader — her mom.
Ho! Ho! HOLY that's cold! Montreal boogie boarder in Santa suit hits St. Lawrence waters
Montreal body surfer Carlos Hebert-Plante boogie boards all year round, and donned a Santa Claus suit to hit the water on Christmas Day in -14 degree Celsius weather.
Azerbaijani airliner crashes in Kazakhstan, killing 38 with 29 survivors, officials say
An Azerbaijani airliner with 67 people onboard crashed Wednesday near the Kazakhstani city of Aktau, killing 38 people and leaving 29 survivors, a Kazakh official said.
Toronto shelter workers say holidays difficult time for refugee claimants
Workers on the front line of Toronto's homeless crisis say the holiday season has been tough for those living on the streets, as colder temperatures set in along with feelings of isolation.
Beyoncé turns NFL Christmas Halftime Show into a 'Cowboy Carter' party with Post Malone cameo
Hope your Santa hat was fastened, because Beyoncé gave us the ultimate 'Cowboy Carter' gift this Christmas.
Montreal man dead after boat explodes in Fort Lauderdale
A Montreal man is dead and several others are injured after a boat exploded in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.