Commission upholds dangerous‑dog designation after owner apologizes for gate left open

An appeal from Mr./Ms. Hawthorne regarding two Great Pyrenees that had been classified as "dangerous" was heard in public session. The appellant apologized for a gate left open that allowed the dogs to leave the property and described the animals as farm guardians who normally protect livestock. "I would just like to apologize for somebody leaving the gate open and the 2 Houdinis going to town," the appellant said.

Animal Services staff summarized the process for designating a dog as dangerous and the distinction between "dangerous" and "vicious." Commissioners viewed video evidence that showed the dogs off the property and one dog biting another dog on private property; several commissioners observed that the facts in the video met the ordinance definition of "dangerous." A motion to uphold the Animal Services determination was made and carried; commissioners emphasized strict compliance with confinement, muzzling when off property and other stipulations to prevent future incidents. A second pending appeal (Galvin) was postponed for lack of the appellant's presence and will be continued to the next regular meeting.