Dangerous Dog Committee

The Animal Control By-law sets rules that a dog's owner cannot allow it to bite without provocation, attack, chase, or damage property. If a dog has bitten or attacked a person or another animal, an officer can have the owner comply with muzzle rules. The committee listens to appeals for orders to muzzle dogs and makes final decisions.

Animal Control By-law

Appeal process for a notice to muzzle

If your dog has been declared vicious and you’ve received a Notice to Muzzle, you can appeal the decision. The notice and related responsibilities still remain in effect during the appeal process.

How to appeal

  • Submit your appeal: Write a letter to appeal the Notice to Muzzle. Deliver it to the City Clerk within 14 days of receiving the notice. Submit to: City Clerk, City of Niagara Falls, 4310 Queen St., Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5 or [email protected].
  • Pay the fee: Check the Fines and Penalties page for current fees to appeal a dangerous dog/muzzle order.
  • Get notified about the hearing: Once your appeal and fee are received, the Clerk will schedule a hearing with the Appeals Committee. You’ll get a written notice at least 21 days before the hearing with the date, time, and location.

What to expect at the hearing

  • Present your case: You can attend the hearing to share your side. Bring any evidence or witnesses to support your case. You’ll have 15 minutes to speak, but the Committee can extend your time if needed.
  • If you don’t attend: If you don’t show up, the Committee may decide without you. You won’t receive further notices about the hearing, but you’ll will receive the final decision.

After the hearing

  • Committee decision: The Committee will review all evidence and decide at the hearing or within 15 days following the hearing date. Their decision is final and binding.
  • Outcome: The Committee will either:
    1. Confirm the Notice to Muzzle, or
    2. Remove the muzzle order
  • Notice of decision: You will get a written decision in the mail as soon as possible after the hearing. The City Clerk, the SPCA/Humane Society, and committee members will also receive a copy.

Committee members

Term:  Four years, 2023-2026

Members:

  • Mona Patel
  • Ruth Ann Nieuwesteeg 
  • Sam (Bruno) Carrera
  • Frank De Luca
  • Sheila DeLuca
  • Anna Lee
  • Kathleen Mann 
  • Joseph Pirosko

City liaison:

Senior Manager of Municipal Bylaw Enforcement Services
905-356-7521 ext. 8000
[email protected] 

Apply to be a committee member:  Applications are now closed for this council term.

Committee meetings

The Dangerous Dog Committee only meets when required for an appeal.

Committee rules

The Committee follows specific rules to ensure fairness, but the Chair can adjust procedures in special circumstances.