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
LIVE UPDATES Tracking Hurricane Milton: Millions told to evacuate from worst storm 'in 100 years to hit Florida'
U.S. forecasters are warning of destructive waves, devastating winds and flash floods through the week as Hurricane Milton makes its way from the Yucatan Peninsula toward Florida.
Meteorologist becomes emotional giving update on Hurricane Milton
A seasoned American meteorologist became emotional on air as he gave an update on a major hurricane, later suggesting the reason behind his strong reaction.
'I hope so': Marc Garneau on whether Liberal party still has room for Blue Liberals
Former cabinet minister Marc Garneau, who describes himself in his new book as always-a-Liberal, 'but a decidedly blue one,' says he hopes the party still has room for someone like him.
'Very' serious issue: federal transport minister on contamination in northern Alberta town
The renewed pleas of people in Fort Chipewyan, Alta. for government to take action cleaning up contamination in their community have reached the ears of federal Transport Minister Anita Anand.
'Extremely disappointed': Family of homicide victim storms out of courtroom as judge reads decision
Emotions boiled over after a judge acquitted two out of three defendants in a manslaughter case, while the third accused has since died.
WeightWatchers to offer compounded version of Wegovy weight-loss drug
WeightWatchers said on Tuesday it would offer a compounded version of Novo Nordisk's popular obesity drug Wegovy as part of its weight-management programs.
Leaders condemn 'hateful rhetoric' at B.C. pro-Palestinian protest on Oct. 7
Political leaders are condemning what they describe as "hateful rhetoric" from a speaker at a pro-Palestinian rally in Vancouver who told the crowd that 'we are Hezbollah and we are Hamas.'
'I find it really disheartening': Family calls out police after Ottawa senior falls victim of theft in parking lot
On September 11, 80-year-old Madeleine Gervais was the victim of a theft in Ottawa's west end. It happened in the Loblaws parking lot in College Square, when she was approached by a man and a woman who insisted to help her load her groceries into her car.
opinion Tom Mulcair: Conservatives continue to attack Trudeau's potential successors
In his column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that the dramatic side to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and his tendency to 'play everything to the hilt,' could well become his undoing.