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Commission finds Safari dangerous after repeat complaints and a bite
Summary
After hearing a complainant—s account and multiple animal‑control reports, the Evansville commission declared Safari a dangerous animal, ordered containment, permanent identification and other conditions, and found the injury did not amount to serious bodily injury under local code.
The Evansville Animal Care and Control Commission declared a dog named Safari "dangerous" after a hearing in which the complainant, Kyle Wilkinson, described a bite while jogging on Kansas Road and animal‑control staff produced multiple prior complaints tied to the address.
Wilkinson testified that a white dog ran at him while he was pushing a stroller and bit his right rear leg, breaking the skin in several places; he said he sought urgent‑care treatment and was prescribed amoxicillin. Animal control produced records of prior 2024 complaints at 4320 Kansas Road, including reports that the dog had run loose and charged pedestrians. Animal control staff also reported that Safari behaved at the shelter during quarantine.
Owner Austin Hill said he had bought a shock collar, would pursue additional containment measures and planned to move, and disputed that earlier records (from 2019) referred to his dog. Commission counsel reminded members the municipal code prohibits considering breed and requires declarations to rest on a preponderance of evidence. After deliberation the commission voted to declare Safari dangerous and to impose restrictions including confinement in a locked physical fence when unattended, requirement of adult supervision and a maximum six‑foot leash when off property, signage at entrances, veterinary examination, permanent identification (microchip or tattoo), spay/neuter unless medically contraindicated, and fines for noncompliance. Commissioners also determined that the victim—s injuries did not meet the code—s standard for "serious bodily injury."
"We do find Safari to be a dangerous dog," the commission recorded.
Animal control will register the dog as dangerous, provide the owner with a compliance checklist and monitor implementation. Both parties were advised they may appeal the decision to Vanderburgh County court within 10 days.
