Vicious dog designation ‘cut and dry,’ says chief

WASHINGTON - Incidents of dogs barking, running loose and biting have been reported to police numerous times in the last few months.

In October, there were 16 animal related calls to the Washington police, the same number of those calls the police received a year earlier.

There were five calls regarding dog bites in October, including Zach Cotterman's dog Oreo whose vicious dog ruling was overturned at a recent City Council meeting.

When a dog bite is reported, the responding officer conducts an investigation. Washington Police Chief Jim Lester said there is a multipage investigation packet that guides the investigation. This information is given to Lester for review. Lester determines whether or not the dog is vicious, according to the code.

The code is cut and dry, Lester said. Within the law, any animal that attacks or bites without being provoked is considered a vicious animal.

In almost all cases, the owners understand and will remove the dog from city limits. In the occasional serious case the dog will be put down.

If an owner does not agree with the ruling, they can appeal to the City Administrator Brent Hinson. If the owner still does not agree, the City Council makes the final decision.

Lester said it is difficult because he and Hinson are restrained to what the ordinances says. There have been conversations about making changes to the ordinance to allow flexibility and discussion, Lester said.

There are more cases in court.

Four individuals today are scheduled in court for an initial appearance regarding a dog-at-large case and one for barking.

Within the Washington ordinance, 'at large” means off the premises of the animal's owner and not under control of a person.

Lester said most of the time pet owners will receive a warning about dogs at large. If the dog is at large again, the owner is issued a citation and must go through the legal process. It is a simple misdemeanor charge.

In July, Lester posted a flier explaining pet owner responsibilities to the police Facebook Page.

Pet owners in Washington are required to immunize against rabies and rabies. Tags should be attached to the animal's collar. Pet owners must prevent their dogs from causing annoyance or disturbance due to barking, howling or running after people.