The Animal Review Committee was established as part of the City of Newton’s Vicious & Problematic Dog Ordinance. The committee must consist 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 is 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.
