Papillion resident urges stronger dangerous-dog rules after small dog killed

At the Aug. 5 Papillion City Council meeting, resident Mitzi DeChavinier described a July 5 incident in which a neighbor’s dog broke through a 6‑foot privacy fence, attacked and fatally mauled her 8‑pound Yorkie, and said the city’s current ordinance left the animal in the owner’s home until guilt is established in court.

"Our 8 pound Yorkie, Roxy, was attacked by a neighbor's dog that broke through their 6 foot privacy fence and mauled our dog," DeChavinier said. She told the council the owner received a citation for owner liability and no restraint, and that the dog had bitten previously. "I'm asking that the city council change its ordinance on potentially dangerous dogs and give law enforcement, the animal control department and/or [other authorities] the immediate authority to hold any animal where probable cause has shown that it could be potentially dangerous to the public," she said.

The presiding officer told DeChavinier the council cannot respond directly to items not on the published agenda but that at least one council member had met with her and would keep her updated on conversations occurring within the city and police department.

DeChavinier also encouraged residents to report dog bites so incidents are on record with the Humane Society. The council did not take action on an ordinance at the meeting; DeChavinier's remarks were recorded as part of the public comment period. Any formal change to the city’s dangerous-dog ordinance would require staff follow-up and a council agenda item with possible public hearing and legal review.