Dog that attacked 11 people inside Barton restaurant previously designated as dangerous: Hamilton animal services

Hamilton's animal services division says the hound at the centre of an attack at a Barton Street East restaurant this week had been designated a dangerous dog this year.

Spokesperson Michelle Shantz told The Spectator the dog had been reported to the city twice in May and once in June, all for having bitten a person.

In July, the canine was designated a dangerous dog under the city's Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw, Shantz said.

In the latest incident, on Thursday, the dog injured 11 people after its owner allegedly let her dog loose within the establishment" and was encouraging the dog to attack citizens," Hamilton police said in a media release.

Police were called to the Stop Restaurant Bar and Grill and found a chaotic scene," where the dog continued to be aggressive and was lunging toward officers and patrons.

Officers there used a Taser to control the dog and prevent it from biting or attacking people in the restaurant, police said.

The dog died at the scene.

Injuries to the 11 victims ranged from minor to serious, police said. Two required surgery.

We want to extend our sympathies to the victims of the attack and wish them a speedy recovery," Shantz said.

Hamilton public health will send the dog's body for rabies testing to rule out any risk for the victims. The results could take up to six days to come back because of the holidays.

At this stage, those bitten by the animal are at very low risk of being infected by rabies," Shantz said. Hamilton public health staff will reach out to those involved in the incident with the results as soon as they are received."

Owner charged

The owner of the dog, a 32-year-old woman from Hamilton, has been charged with six counts of criminal negligence causing bodily harm, four counts of utter threat to cause death or bodily harm and assault with a weapon.

Her identity has not been released.

Shantz said that under the dangerous dog designation, owners are required to have their dog microchipped, neutered/spayed within a specific period and ensure the dog is wearing a muzzle, leash and collar or harness at all times while not at home.

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com