Montreal man charged after allegedly ordering pit bull to attack his girlfriend

MONTREAL – A 54-year-old Montrealer who allegedly ordered his pit bull to attack his girlfriend was released on bail Wednesday.

Mark Leonard was freed under “strict conditions” and is due back in court in November, said Crown prosecutor Isabelle Major.

Leonard has been charged with assault and assault causing bodily harm after allegedly ordering the dog to bite his partner.

The woman allegedly suffered bites to her arm and back on Sunday.

“He has the obligation not to communicate with the plaintiff directly or indirectly,” Major said outside the courtroom. “He (also) can’t be within a radius of her domicile, workplace, school and can’t be within her physical presence.”

Leonard is also forbidden from possessing or being responsible for any animal.

Major said she didn’t know the condition or location of the pit bull.

Pit bulls have been in the spotlight in Quebec recently after a series of high-profile attacks by the animals throughout the province.

Montreal’s mayor recently announced a plan to ban pit bulls and other breeds considered dangerous after a woman died from an attack.

Quebec City’s mayor has announced similar measures.

Premier Philippe Couillard said this week his government will likely follow Ontario’s example and adopt a provincewide ban on the breed.