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Commission finds Dior dangerous after bite to resident; veterinary exam, microchip and containment ordered
Summary
Evansville commissioners declared a dog named Dior dangerous following a bite to a resident’s wrist and multiple prior loose‑dog calls; they ordered containment or attended custody, microchipping, veterinary exam and other conditions and found the injury was not 'serious bodily injury' under the code.
The Evansville Animal Control and Education Commission declared a dog named Dior dangerous after hearing from a resident who said the animal bit her wrist while she walked her child to a bus stop.
Complainant Brandy Benedict told the commission she was bitten on Aug. 15, suffered a puncture wound to her left wrist and received a Tdap shot and a seven‑day course of antibiotics. "She caught my wrist," Benedict said, presenting photos and neighbor records she said documented repeated loose‑dog problems at the Rhinelander Avenue address.
Animal control staff reported a history of complaints at the address dating back to March 2019, including reports of dogs running loose, chasing children, and previous quarantines. Staff said the dog Dior was in animal control custody at the kennel at the time of the hearing and that the office had mailed and attempted hand delivery of hearing notices to the owner.
The commission voted to declare Dior a dangerous animal. Members then assessed whether the injury met the code threshold for serious bodily injury and unanimously determined it did not. The panel discussed and ordered a set of restrictions similar to those applied in a separate case earlier in the meeting: containment (fenced area or attended containment when outdoors), leash requirements when off property, required microchipping or tattoo identification, spay/neuter unless medically contraindicated, and a veterinary examination to rule out treatable medical causes. The commission also noted that failure to comply can lead to civil fines and further orders under County Ordinance 6.05.090.
Staff emphasized the dog was in custody; if the owner reclaims Dior, the owner must meet the ordered conditions and provide documentation. As with the earlier case, parties were advised they have 10 days to file a verified complaint to Vanderburgh County Superior or Circuit Court to appeal the administrative decision.
