A Prince Rupert city councillor is questioning a new bylaw that will lump pitbulls and other breeds on a list of restricted dogs into the same category as dogs already labelled vicious.

The bylaw, which passed a council vote this week, means owners of such dogs would face the same restrictions, regulations and fees as dogs with a proven track record of attacking other animals or humans.

"You are sure making it expensive for a lot of people in town,'' says Coun. Joy Thorkelson. "I just have a problem treating restricted dogs the same as dangerous dogs.''

Under the new bylaw, anyone licensing a pitbull will face fees of $150 a year for sterilized dogs and $200 for unsterilized dogs before March 1.

They will also be required to post signs warning the public of the animal's presence, keep the animal muzzled and leashed at all times in public or off-leash areas, and require an enclosed pen or two-metre-high fence in their backyards.

Impound fees will also be the same for restricted breeds as for vicious dogs - $250 for a first offence, $500 for a second offence and $1,000 for each subsequent offence.

This compares with impoundment fees for unrestricted breeds of $50 for a first offence, $85 for a second offence and $135 for subsequent offences.

Thorkelson, supported by acting mayor Tony Briglio, made several attempts to change the bylaw to differentiate between restricted and dangerous dogs.

Council heard divergent views on the issue. An SPCA official said legislating specific breeds was a waste of time because each breed had good and bad traits and it is the owner who determines the characteristics of the animal.

On the other hand, some people felt certain breeds have a bad track record and should be treated differently.

"It makes the present ownership of these dogs very expensive and my concern is that we are going to find it is quite difficult for some of these people pay the money to have these dogs,'' said Thorkelson.

She suggested council apply a grandfather clause for existing pitbull owners, dropping the fee down to $100 in the first year and working up to $250 over time.

It would discourage people from buying restricted dogs but would not punish existing owners of peaceful restricted dogs, she said.

The bylaw will come into force after it receives expected asset at the next council meeting.