Portage committee takes no action on dangerous-dog finding; appeal left open while owner prepares to move

The Legacy Regulatory Committee of Portage City voted to take no action on a police-declared dangerous-animal finding concerning a dog named Sebastian, while keeping the appeal open if the dog remains in the city.

At a hearing on an appeal of a dangerous-animal declaration, an officer from the Portage Police Department summarized a March 14 incident in which a dog named Merlin required stitches after an encounter with two other dogs. The officer told the committee they responded March 17 to 555 Winnebago Avenue, made contact with Merlin’s owners and later traced the other dogs to 545 Oak Ridge. The report and veterinary photographs were entered into the record.

The officer said both Sully (described as a golden-retriever type) and Sebastian were located at the Oak Ridge address and that Sebastian had bitten Merlin several times; Merlin was taken to the UW Emergency Vet Clinic and received stitches. The officer also said none of the three dogs had initially been registered with the City of Portage but that registrations had since been completed.

Catherine Krieger, identified in the hearing as Sebastian’s owner, did not appear in person but submitted written statements read into the record by a family member. Her daughter, Callie Krieger, described Sebastian’s temperament and said Sebastian will be leaving Portage next month to move out of state with her. Callie asked the committee to consider that Sebastian is not a dangerous dog and said the family did not seek enforcement; they wanted an official record.

City Attorney Jesse Smankowski told the committee there were several procedural options: take no action, hold the matter open to see whether Sebastian leaves the city, or delay implementation until a later date in May. Committee members discussed that no witness had seen the full incident, that Merlin was leashed in his yard when the injuries occurred, and that it was not clear whether Sebastian or another dog provoked the encounter. Members also noted the limits of municipal jurisdiction if the dog moves out of state.

A motion "to take no action" on the dangerous-animal declaration carried by voice vote: Feeney — Aye; Paul — Aye; Wetzel — Aye; Bauer Frey — Aye; Crowley — Aye. The committee recorded the outcome as approved while clarifying the appeal remains open; the chair may bring the matter back if Sebastian remains in Portage.

Committee members and staff discussed reimbursement for Merlin’s veterinary bill; the reporting family provided a photo of the bill and parties said they were in conversation about payment. The committee did not order enforcement or penalties at the hearing.

The hearing record includes the police report, veterinary photographs, and written statements submitted by the Krieger family. The committee chair indicated the matter could be reopened if conditions change or if Sebastian remains in the city beyond the owner’s planned move.

Votes at a glance: Motion — "Take no action on dangerous-animal declaration; appeal remains open." Vote: 5–0. Motion notes: appeal remains open; no enforcement action ordered at this time.