Hamilton staff can release names of owners of vicious dogs

It's up to city staff's discretion whether to publicly disclose the names of dog owners whose pets have attacked other people.

That's according to a new policy approved by city planning committee members Wednesday afternoon.

Under the new policy, the manager of animal services can determine whether to make the names of owners of violent dogs public once a charge has been laid, whether that be through a press release or other means.

The manager can also disclose the name and last known address of the owner if the dog is still in that person's possession.

The manager of animal services can also give the name, charge against and last known address to the victim of the dog attack.

Under the new policy, the dog owner will be able to make a presentation to the manager of animal services arguing why his or her address should not be released.

The changes come after receiving advice from the Ontario's Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Committee members were pleased with the changes.

"This is long overdue," said Coun. Terry Whitehead.

The issue started about a year and a half ago when two dogs broke into a neighbour's backyard in upper Stoney Creek and killed a cat, said Coun. Brad Clark. The man learned that the dogs had attacked before but city staff would not release any information on who owned the dogs.

That's changed now, and Clark is glad.

"If there's a vicious dog in the neighbourhood, I think families have a right to know."