Supervisors unsure how to handle Belle Plaine ‘wolf dogs’

VINTON — Benton County Supervisors are seeking legal council to determine the county’s liability if it allows dogs that are part wolf to be kept in the county.

The board tabled action on the county’s vicious animal ordinance and wolf dogs kept outside Belle Plaine during its regular meeting Tuesday.

In the mean time, the dogs need to be fostered, supervisors said.

The discussion stemmed from a complaint against rescue dogs owned by Elana Janss of Belle Plaine. Since the last meeting, Janss said she no longer has the dog that had escaped from the property.

Janss said she is looking into setting up an electric fence for the remaining dogs. She also checked with a local veterinarian who said the dogs are a German shepherd and husky cross, with low wolf content, she said.

Janss has owned wolf dogs since 1996, and this is the first complaint against them, she said. “I’m trying to be a responsible owner.”

Janss has fencing and hog panels to keep the dogs contained. The gate is padlocked.

The dog that escaped is now at a rescue home in Urbandale, Jans said.

Supervisor Richard Primmer moved to have the animals removed from the property, stressing liability concerns. The motion did not get a second.

Primmer said the board is in a difficult place because, if the board approves Janss request and something happens, “this opens Benton County up for one heck of a lawsuit.”

There was an attack on sheep and the sheep had to be put down, Primmer said. “Quite honestly, we’re lucky it was sheep rather than children.”

Janss said that multiple people and children have been around the dogs and that the dogs are not considered hybrids that are documented in the county’s ordinance.

Supervisor chairman Tracy Seeman said he agreed with Primmer. He asked if there was a way to have the dogs blood tested to determine the percentage of wolf.

Janss noted that all dogs came from wolves. She said she has gotten rid of one dog. She would like to keep the rest of them.

“I’m not trying to break the law,” she said, but this is the first offense since 1996.

“We have an ordinance in place,” said Primmer. “We’re either going to stand by it or change it. I’m standing by it.”

But Primmer added, “I’m only one of three.”

Primmer then made a motion to deny the appeal.

“I just don’t know how to handle this one. I’m not happy with it,” Seeman said. He’s worried about the county’s liability, he said.

Supervisor Gary Bierschenk said Janss had gotten rid of the offending dog. Violence by one dog doesn’t prove that all of these dogs are vicious, he said.

The dogs are not considered dangerous and vicious animals, said Janss.

Primmer suggested tabling action, seeking legal advice, and having the dogs fostered until a decision is made.

Sheriff Ron Tippett said the ordinance allows for and appeal to District Court.