Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control Meetings topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Evansville animal commission approves permit, sends police letter and rules in three dangerous‑dog cases
Summary
At its October session the Evansville Animal Care and Control Commission approved a permit for a Franklin Street pet event, authorized a board letter urging continued police humane‑unit investigations, and after three hearings declared three animals dangerous (Safari, Skye, Sheba) while imposing nonlethal restrictions on each owner.
The Evansville Animal Care and Control Commission met and approved routine business before holding three separate dangerous‑dog hearings. Commissioners voted to approve an establishment permit for a community pet event on West Franklin Street and authorized a board letter to Police Chief Philip Smith urging continued emphasis on animal‑cruelty investigations and commending Humane Unit sergeant Sarah Brown.
The bulk of the meeting consisted of evidentiary hearings and deliberations on three dangerous‑dog complaints. After hearing testimony, reviewing animal‑control records and seeing photographs, the commission found probable cause and, by voice vote, declared Safari, Skye and Sheba to be "dangerous animals." In each case commissioners determined the bite or attack did not rise to the meeting’s statutory definition of "serious bodily injury."
For each animal the commission imposed a set of restrictions allowed under the Evansville Municipal Code, including confinement in a locked physical fence when unattended, requirements for leash and adult supervision when off property, mandatory spaying/neutering unless medically contraindicated, permanent identification (microchip or tattoo), and veterinary examinations. The commission also warned owners that failure to comply could trigger fines (up to $2,500) or reimposition of stronger measures; humane destruction remains an option only after further incidents causing serious injury.
Commission counsel outlined hearing procedure and the legal standard: findings are to be made on a preponderance of the evidence. Animal control staff confirmed multiple prior complaints in some cases but reported that the animals behaved at the shelter. Several commissioners said the declarations were not intended to be punitive but to document risk and require steps to protect neighbors.
The meeting record shows the commission will notify the county and provide owners with next steps; both complainants and respondents were told of their 10‑day appeal rights to Vanderburgh County Superior or Circuit Court. The commission adjourned after completing the scheduled hearings.
