HomeMy Public PortalAbout2001-06-14_Procedures for Biting Dogs as Discussed with Bonnie Hiltz, Aggressive Behavior Specialist Policy_P-14MUNICIPALITY OF THE DISTRICT OF CHESTER
Policy P -14
PROCEDURES FOR BITING DOGS
AS DISCUSSED WITH BONNIE HILTZ, AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR SPECIALIST
We currently follow SPCA procedures in dealing with a reported dog bite, which is a bite that breaks the skin and
is looked at or attended to by a physician. At that time the Municipality asks the owner if they wish to turn the
animal over for euthanization. This would, in most cases, end the matter - there would be no fine or any further
action taken by the Municipality. As well, the Department of Agriculture would be contacted with regard to rabies
procedure.
The option after that point, if they do not wish to turn the animal over, is an assessment of the animal, a history of
the animal to determine if this type of incident has happened before and a discussion with the owner to see what seeps
they are willing to take. An acknowledgment of the owner that the animal is either passively aggressive or overtly
aggressive depending on what all our investigation shows and that he /she now has a higher level of care with the
animal,
Measures must be taken such that the animal can no longer be chained or tied but must be penned and when outside
the pen must be equipped with a muzzle at all times, warning signs must be posted in the yard and a very high level
of diligence by the owner to ensure that no one enters the property.
The owner(s) would be required to give permission to the Municipality to check security measures with regard to the
animal to determine if they are adequate.
The owner should understand that at any time any victim or relative of the victim may take civil action. The
Municipality has no control over this type of action.
Depending upon the severity of the case the Municipality may send the matter directly to court for a judge's
determination on the matter.
There may, or may not, be a fine or summary offence ticket issued on the bite, depending on the cooperation of the
owner of the animal and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Notice of Intention given May 28, 2001
Adopted June 14, 2001 (2001.319)
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