Springdale animal-control officials on July 31 ordered containment measures — including acquisition of a kennel and enhanced outdoor confinement — after neighbors described repeated violent encounters involving a dog identified as Nova.
The measures were directed after a neighbor testified that Nova had repeatedly fought with their dog when either animal could access the shared area between the houses. Animal-control staff recommended a kennel and other steps to prevent the animals from contacting each other while outdoors.
The hearing began with the complainant describing multiple incidents and preventative steps they have taken. "We just want the dog to be secured so that we both can do what we need to do for our dogs," the complainant said. They told the hearing they had documented several occasions when the neighbor's doorway was left open and the other dog was able to exit unsupervised.
The respondent disputed parts of that account and said there had been mutual interaction between the animals on some occasions. In response to the description of a recent incident, an owner/participant said the dog helped another animal that had become entangled and that "there was mutual to both dogs. It was not a one-sided attack."
Animal-control staff advised the panel that recommended steps included a properly secured kennel for outdoor time and consideration of behavior measures to stop the dog from accessing the sliding or screen door, noting the dog is vaccinated and microchipped per the record the staff cited.
The hearing officer moved to impose conditions requiring (1) a kennel or equivalent secured enclosure for outdoor time, (2) measures to prevent the dog from accessing the sliding/screen door that opens toward the neighbor, and (3) proof of compliance to be submitted to animal-control within a timeframe set by staff. The motion was approved by the panel at the meeting.
The hearing record contains competing accounts of some incidents and differing claims about video evidence and timestamps. Animal-control staff said videos and photos were provided but that some submitted video files lacked visible timestamps, limiting their use as time-specific evidence.
The panel did not order removal or euthanasia of Nova; the action recorded at the hearing was the imposition of containment and documentation requirements. The hearing officer said failure to comply could result in further administrative action or referral to municipal court.
The parties were told to exchange contact information for scheduling any follow-up inspection and to submit evidence of compliance to animal-control as required.