Board designates dog owner a habitual offender, imposes $500 minimum fine

The Lewis Court Board of Public Works and Safety voted to designate the owner at 119 Western Avenue as a habitual offender and impose a $500 fine after animal-control staff reported three separate bite incidents within six months.

Animal-control officer Keith (case 25-01107) briefed the board that the most recent bite occurred in January and that prior bites were reported in August and October. According to Keith, the owner has multiple city citations and two state citations, and staff believe the owner has not paid the outstanding fines. Keith told the board the dog is frequently loose, the owner has refused to leash or secure the animal, and neighbors are fearful.

Keith recommended naming the owner a habitual offender under section 19 of the city ordinance and seeking the $500 minimum fine; he noted that seizure of the animal is possible if the court orders it. Board members discussed how seizure would be implemented; staff said seizure actions require a court order and that seizing an animal without court direction is not the standard procedure.

The board moved, seconded and approved a motion to declare the owner a habitual offender and assess a $500 fine. The presiding officer called the question and the roll call recorded votes in the affirmative for listed members.

Animal-control staff said they will pursue collection of outstanding citations and that the fine is intended to compel the owner to confine the animal, build a kennel or otherwise prevent additional bites. Staff indicated they will seek court action if the dog continues to be a public-safety risk.