By JONATHAN SNYDER
Significant action was taken by the Board of Public Works and Safety in two nuisance animal issues.
The first issue involved the Reynolds’ residence in the 800 block on West Mulberry Street, where the board ultimately decided the dogs would be required to leave city limits within 30 days.
Animal Control Officer Kyle Morphew presented a shelter order for the dogs was required at the rental property, where the Reynolds family lives. While the shelter does meet compliance standards, the dogs continue to be cited for running at large. Morphew stated that multiple instances of running loose both inside and outside, with one as recently as Oct. 26, saw the need for action, plus statements, photos and video evidence from their neighbor.
“It would take someone opening it (the shelter) intentionally to let the dogs out from what I see,” Morphew said. “They’re still getting loose (while) being in confinement.”
The board found it difficult to believe that anyone outside of the Reynolds would be letting the dogs out of the area. While the Reynolds, who were not present, claim that their kids are letting them out of the shelter, Mayor John Whicker stated that the dogs are still their responsibility. Morphew additionally noted that the Reynolds have also had a track record of citations before coming to the city.
“I mean, you’ve got a video of the dog going right up to the window at their (the neighbor’s) house,” Board member Josh Hunt said. “I mean that’s totally unacceptable. It’s one thing if they are messing around in their own yard and running around, but when they’re going to another property and being aggressive toward their house … that would definitely be a nuisance. It’s fine to blame the kids but it’s still his responsibility.”
“He (Sawyer Reynolds) doesn’t take responsibility for the dogs,” Morphew added.
Since the dogs are already under nuisance orders, board member Scott Mentzer stated that the next level is to remove the dogs from the city limits. Morphew added that the board could further restrict the dog’s ability to leave the property and could enforce a “beware of dog” sign. Hunt said that because of the multiple offenses and excuses, the dogs should leave.
“What else do we do?” Hunt asked. “If they can’t even keep them in the house then that’s probably where we need to go. If he’s not willing to be accountable for the animals and all he has is excuses then I don’t have an issue with removing them. It sounds like he doesn’t care either way, whatever happens he’s always got a story. Meanwhile, the neighbors get terrorized. We have to let people know that if they don’t care then we care and we’re going to deal with that.”
The second nuisance order involved Raven Haney’s dog in the 700 block of Clark Street.
Morphew stated that Haney’s dog was escalated to a nuisance animal on Sep. 19 after it attacked another dog and caused injury. On Oct. 9, Morphew reported that Haney’s dog was picked up for running at large by animal control officers — it has been in the animal shelter’s possession since.
Morphew added that he notified Haney on Oct. 15 that the dog was in their possession until Haney can comply with nuisance animal order standards. Additional phone calls on the Oct. 21 and 22 were left unanswered.
Morphew stated that the next step is an agreement to dispose of the dog because the shelter cannot continue to appropriate funds to feed it. Hunt and Morphew agreed that the dog would likely not be recommended for adoption, with Morphew adding that the dog is now attacking animals and is continually getting worse.
“This one’s come up more than any other dog since I’ve been doing this,” Hunt said. “Been going on three weeks now and no communication back.”
The board made the decision to give Haney until Nov. 15 to pick up the dog. If Haney does not pick up the dog it will be euthanized. Another letter will be sent to Haney to ensure that she understands the situation.
jonathan@news-banner.com
