NOISY DOG OWNERS IN HAMILTON COULD FACE FINES UP TO $25K

The City of Hamilton has hiked the fines it can lay against dog owners whose canine companions repeatedly bark up a storm. The move, which allows a maximum fine of $25,000 for repeat offenders, is being made to better deal with the nearly 600 complaints about loud dogs the city receives every year, said bylaw director Ken Leendertse. The changes mean complaints about problematic barking will now be the responsibility of animal control officers instead of bylaw officers.