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Evansville animal board fines Maldonado family $2,500 after dogs ran at large, recommends quarantine pending rehearing
Summary
The Evansville Animal Care and Control Board voted to impose a $2,500 fine on the Maldonado family after members reviewed video and animal-control reports showing two dogs running at large and injuring neighborhood cats.
The Evansville Animal Care and Control Board voted to impose a $2,500 fine on the Maldonado family after board members heard testimony and video evidence showing two dogs running at large and attacking neighborhood cats.
Board members discussed evidence presented by animal control staff and neighbors, including video and an animal control officer’s verification that the dogs had been loose. Colette Purcell, a neighborhood resident who identified herself as living at 1307 Pollock Avenue, told the board her cat was killed on Dec. 29 and described video footage and encounters with the dogs. “The owners then... were in their minivan ... within a minute,” Purcell said, describing how she confronted the owners after seeing the dog near her property. Another commenter who identified herself as the owner of an injured cat described veterinary treatment and said the owners had not begun searching for their dogs for six hours after the incident.
Board counsel and staff said the ordinance already authorizes animal control to issue fines and to take custody of animals in appropriate circumstances. The board’s attorney described the need for a formal, on-the-record rehearing if the board were to impose sanctions beyond those already authorized by prior stipulations, saying sworn testimony should be taken to preserve a record in case of later challenge. Animal control staff present recommended quarantining the dogs until the rehearing; board members said impoundment is within animal control’s discretion.
After discussion, Kelly (board member) moved to impose the $2,500 fine; Tamara seconded. The chair called for the vote and recorded the motion as approved. The board also discussed that animal control could pick up the dogs without a separate motion because impoundment is within animal control’s authority under the existing ordinance.
The board tabled additional escalated sanctions pending a formal hearing on the record; counsel said that hearing will be needed to establish sworn testimony and documentary evidence should the board impose sanctions that go beyond fines or the terms of previously entered stipulations. Board members and speakers reiterated a preference for documenting incidents with video and formal reports to support any further action.
The board also heard public comments urging stricter enforcement and changes to city ordinances; several speakers warned against vigilante responses and urged the community to use proper reporting channels and evidence-gathering steps to support enforcement.
The board approved the fine and authorized animal control to proceed under existing ordinance authorities. The board instructed staff to set a rehearing or follow-up proceeding to consider whether additional sanctions are warranted and to preserve sworn testimony and exhibits for the record.
