Washington council reverses decision dog that bit woman

WASHINGTON - The Washington City Council voted to reverse the ruling to destroy a pet after an attack.

The ruling came with the expectations that the dog will be put through proper professional training with proof sent to the City Council.

Previously, the dog named Oreo was determined to be a vicious animal after a bite led to nine stitches. The family appealed to the city council to have City Administrator Brent Hinson's decision overturned to save the dog from being killed or removed from city limits.

Council members said while the Police Chief Jim Lester and Hinson did the best they could within the constraints of the 'black and white” law, the council has the ability to work in grays.

'You guys had your hands tied,” said council member Steve Gault.

In the previous hearing with Hinson, the family said Oreo is a 2-year-old dog who has been in three different homes. She has only been in the current household for a month. Based on information giving during a hearing, the dog is affectionate but has triggers leading to aggression due to a former abusive home.

The owner Zach Cotterman shared that the dog is affectionate, gives the best hugs and is only territorial of its home.

While there have been less severe bites in the past that led to a dog being put down, city council members felt this situation was different because it was in the dog's own home where the bite occurred.

Council members Danielle Pettit-Majewski and Steve Gault shared personal stories of adopting formerly abused dogs, and the problems that are associated with it.

'I have been in that situation where you have an animal who might be unpredictable,” Pettit-Majewski said.

Gault said he didn't want the dog to die but wanted a safety catch so it doesn't happen again. The family agreed to put the dog through training and give proof to the council and Gault when it is complete.

Council member Elaine Moore said she knows Dr. Wendy Miller personally and has taken her pets to her for years. She said the vet is not afraid to be honest about whether a dog is vicious or not.

In the statement of facts, Miller said the dog was not aggressive toward the staff or any other dogs in the facility.

'Oreo tolerated full restraint during her exam and fully cooperated with the staff while out of the kennel,” according to the statement of facts.

Moore said it bother her that Miller was not willing to say the dog is vicious.

Gault made a motion to reverse the ruling.

It passed with 4-1 vote.

'What will not be an acceptable result is if you don't maintain and take care of your dog,” said Mayor Jaron Rosien.

The family was able to pick up the dog Wednesday morning.