The committee was established as part of the City’s vicious and problematic dog ordinance and consists of at least one member of the public, one animal professional, and one City employee. Animal professionals are required to have experience or education in a profession that primarily involves handling, maintaining or training animals. This would include veterinarians, veterinary techs, animal trainers, groomers, boarding professionals and others in the animal field. There are no special knowledge or experience requirements for citizen representatives, but an understanding of animals and their behavior would be helpful.
The committee convenes only when there is an appeal to a vicious or problematic dog declaration. The committee is tasked with hearing all evidence as it relates to the incident and making a determination whether the declaration shall be amended, overturned or confirmed as written. Historically the committee has met 3-4 times per year.
Citizens and animal professionals who are interested may send letters of interest with the detail of qualifications by February 17th to Newton City Clerk Katrina Davis at
katrinad@newtongov.org or mail to the Newton City Hall. Committee members are selected and confirmed by the Newton City Council.