Paola resident urges Miami County enforcement after years of alleged dog attacks

Sheila Sporey, a Paola-area resident, told the Miami County Board of County Commissioners on April 9 that roaming dogs owned by neighbors have attacked and killed her animals and left her “living in fear.” Sporey said she has reported the animals to the sheriff’s office and that a prior county letter — issued about six years earlier — did not prevent renewed incidents this month.

Sporey said the dogs first became a problem after new neighbors acquired them and allowed them to run free. She told the commission she has carried a pistol outside on her property for protection since an incident in 2019 when she fired a warning shot. She said neighbors and children in nearby homes could be at risk if the dogs again get loose.

Under Sheriff Matt Kelly told Sporey he was vaguely familiar with earlier contacts and would look into the case, gather her contact details after the meeting and report back to the commission. Kelly also explained the county’s procedural limit: in his account to the commission, an animal must be formally deemed “vicious” through county process or the courts before certain restrictions (muzzling, continuous leashing, confinement) can be imposed.

Sporey quoted two local code references she said apply to the situation — “Article 17-100” (dangerous-dog definition) and “Article 27-202” (handling requirements) — and asked county staff to reissue or clarify whatever written notice had been sent previously. She said she does not have a copy of the earlier letter and that the attorney who had handled the prior contact is no longer with the county.

The Under Sheriff said the sheriff’s office would research past enforcement steps and follow up with Sporey. The record shows no formal enforcement action or court finding announced at the meeting.

The exchange occurred during the public-comment period, before the board moved on to consent and action items.