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Washington County committee affirms sheriff's finding that dog Winston is vicious
Summary
After closed-session review, the Washington County Public Safety Committee voted to affirm the sheriff's determination that a dog named Winston was vicious under county code; the committee instructed county counsel to prepare written findings for the Zern family and the sheriff's office.
The Washington County Public Safety Committee voted in open session to affirm the sheriff's determination that a dog, Winston, is vicious under county code 172-13(A)(1) and (A)(2).
Committee members said they considered whether the dog had been provoked and concluded delivery workers were performing a lawful task and did not provoke the animal. Committee members also noted the dog's owners have taken steps to reduce risk but that, to date, those measures had not been effective.
The committee stated the decision was unanimous. Attorney Stern was directed to draft a written summary of the committee's findings; the committee authorized a named committee member to review and sign those findings when submitted, and those documents will be provided to the Zern family and the sheriff's department.
Remarks about the Zern family's affection for Winston were recorded in public comment; the committee acknowledged that sentiment while distinguishing it from the factual determination about provocation and dangerousness.
No further action was listed in the transcript; the committee proceeded to the next agenda item after confirming the authorization for counsel to prepare the findings.
