The City of Sherbrooke is poised to let pit bulls out of the dog house.

The municipality has banned anyone who lives within city limits from owning the breed for nearly two decades, but the municipality is planning to change that bylaw as of Jan. 1.

City officials said the rule change was motivated by several factors, including the fact that many experts say pit bulls are no more dangerous than other breeds.

Municipal officials say it's also difficult to prove if a dog is a purebred pit bull.

Ban replaced by complaint-based system

Instead of an all-out ban, the City of Sherbrooke plans to introduce a complaint-based system.

Starting in the new year, if a resident complains about an animal, the city will send experts to evaluate the pet's behaviour.

If a dog is deemed dangerous, the animal will be euthanized.

The bylaw changes also include new limits on the length of time owners can leave their pets alone.

Residents will be forbidden from leaving a dog alone for more than 24 hours, or tied up for more than 12 consecutive hours.