Residents urge action over aggressive dog in Elm Acres; council moves to closed session on possible litigation

At the Jan. 8, 2025 Fond du Lac City Council meeting, several Elm Acres residents asked the council to act after repeated incidents involving a neighbor’s dog they described as aggressive. Later in the meeting, the council voted to adjourn to closed session to consult with legal counsel about possible litigation and a public nuisance related to Elm Acres Drive.

The residents said the dog — identified in public comment as “Duke” — has attacked or threatened pets and people in their cul-de-sac and that attempts to resolve the matter with the dog’s owners have failed. Peggy Cheechak, an Elm Acres resident, described an incident in which the dog “came out of the garage barking viciously and came at my husband and my dog,” and said the owner was able to grab the leash only after the dog had dragged the owner several feet.

“Neighbors with health conditions who cannot protect themselves now are held up in their home as hostages,” Cheechak said. Nancy Reilbeck Thomas told the council that on Aug. 10, 2024, “Duke, the Campbell’s dog, was savagely attacking my dog, Bailey.” Thomas said the dog’s owner instructed her husband not to contact police after the attack and later replied “good” when told Bailey had died.

Other residents detailed additional incidents and the effect on neighborhood life. Chad Mongan said Elm Acres “is their playground” for children with no sidewalks, adding that a babysitter and a 4‑year‑old were once threatened when the dog approached. John Oberg, who identified himself as an Elm Acres resident, said he has raised the issue before and urged further action. Jim Thomas said city codes must be enforced, calling enforcement “essential” if the neighborhood is to be safe.

President Breault then asked for a motion to adjourn to closed session “conferring with legal counsel regarding possible litigation” with the subject described as “possible litigation, public nuisance Elm Acres Drive.” The motion to adjourn to closed session was made by Mr. Schusser and seconded by Mr. Mullen; the council voted to adjourn. City Police Chief Goldstein was specifically named as attending the closed session.

The public comments made clear residents’ sense of danger and a desire for enforcement. No formal enforcement action was recorded in the open meeting; the council moved to closed session to consult legal counsel.