Evansville panel declares Rhea a dangerous dog after alley attack that injured neighbor

An Evansville Animal Control Commission hearing on April 30, 2025 found one dog, identified by its owners as Rhea, to be a dangerous animal after an April 15 attack that injured a neighbor and seriously harmed a small dog.

The commission's hearing followed a complaint filed by Crystal Jennings of 1104 East Iowa Street, who said three dogs from across the alley at 1103 East Delaware came under a fence and attacked her small dog on April 15, 2025. Jennings testified she was bitten multiple times in both hands while trying to separate the animals and required hospital treatment. "I'm not here today to go try to get anybody's animal or pets put down. I'm just looking for the safety, obviously, of my family," Jennings told the board.

Jennings said the neighborhood dogs attacked her 5-pound dog, Gizzy, causing severe injuries that required veterinary treatment; she also testified she returned to an emergency room and was admitted for three days of IV antibiotics. Jennings said Gizzy later required amputation of a hind leg on April 22. Animal control and Evansville Police Department responded to the April 15…