Resident says Norfolk animal-control officers wrongly cited and revoked his off-leash permit

James Drano told Norfolk City Council that animal-protection officers issued a criminal citation for a dog-at-large after he had obtained an off-leash permit through the proper process and that the citation was dismissed in court. Drano said the officers nevertheless revoked his permit on the spot and that, in his view, officers gave inconsistent testimony and made false statements in court.

Drano said he holds documentation for vaccination, tags and training, and presented a petition of 231 Norfolk residents supporting his account. He said the permit was revoked permanently that day and that, because the charge was dismissed rather than convicted, he lost an administrative appeal route he believes would have been available after a conviction. Drano asked the council and staff to investigate the conduct of the animal-protection officers.

City officials on the dais acknowledged the complaint and the city attorney and city manager indicated they would look into the matter and get back to Drano; the transcript records the city attorney (Mister Pishka) and the manager offering to follow up. No formal action or appeal outcome was recorded at the meeting.

What’s next: the city attorney/manager said they will investigate and follow up with the resident; as of the meeting there was no recorded reversal or formal administrative appeal outcome.