Animal Control Commission affirms euthanasia order for dog after 3–1 vote

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control Commission voted 3–1 on Feb. 27 to affirm an animal control officer’s mandated euthanasia order for a dog known as Pluto after hearing staff evidence that the dog had repeatedly attacked sheep.

Animal control staff said they began receiving reports about animals from the owner’s residence at multiple locations in September 2024 and that Pluto later injured livestock on Jan. 14 and again on Jan. 26, 2026. Officer Foster, the agency’s staff presenter, told the commission that prior conditions requiring secure kennels and fencing had been issued on Jan. 15 and that staff found the owner repeatedly failed to meet those conditions. “Overall, after reviewing the history of Pluto, the owner's unwillingness to cooperate, and another severe injury sustained to the sheep, Ethel, the determination and mandated euthanasia was made,” Foster said.

The staff report included video evidence and a written statement from the sheep owners, Justin Hill and Moore Kunstin, read into the record by staff. The written statement said the neighbors’ sheep had been “repeatedly harassed and attacked at least 5 times,” with two sheep sustaining severe injuries that required veterinary attention on three confirmed occasions.

Appellant Genevieve Banslagard told the commission she had taken responsibility for eight puppies born in her household, rehomed seven over the past year and a half, and rehomed one littermate, Milo, on the day of the most recent incident. “He’s extremely sweet and loving, and he means the world to me,” Banslagard said of Pluto, and she told the commission she had purchased fencing and a kennel and was willing to comply with conditions, including a muzzle, leash and additional training.

Banslagard and several family members and neighbors testified they had seen a marked behavioral difference after rehoming other littermates and said they could install additional barriers when weather permitted. Witnesses who spoke in support of the owner included Davita Banslagard, Laura Buchanan, Joan Regard, Kathy Harms Tordoff and Spencer Tordoff.

Commissioners questioned both staff and the owner about containment options, short‑term measures such as crating or indoor tethers, training the dog, and the feasibility and timing of installing permanent fencing in snow‑covered ground. Officer Hekimovich and Officer Ross described steps they had suggested previously — including using multiple gates or temporary crates before opening exterior doors — and told the commission the owner had been advised that additional incidents could result in mandated euthanasia.

When the commission discussed the case, Chairman Cavapel — who moved to affirm the agency’s decision — said staff met the legal standard applied by the panel: “I believe animal control has proven to the preponderance of evidence that it is likely that an attack like this will happen again.” Commissioner Rosenberg, who seconded the motion for discussion, expressed concern about the dog’s demonstrated prey drive and the practicality of reliably preventing future incidents without professionally installed perimeter containment. Commissioner Sherman, who voted no, cited the owner’s newly available support network and steps already taken to reduce risk.

The roll‑call vote — taken after a brief recess for members to consider motions and after two commissioners were excused for conflicts of interest — recorded three votes in favor and one vote against, and the commission announced the motion carried.

The commission read required closing instructions: a written decision with specific findings of fact will follow, and an owner aggrieved by the commission’s decision may appeal to the Alaska Superior Court within 30 days; notice of intent to appeal must be given to the animal control officer within 72 hours. The hearing adjourned at 8:03 p.m.