The Evansville City Animal Control and Education Commission voted to find probable cause to hold a hearing on a complaint alleging a child was injured by a dog on Nov. 30, 2024, and the dog’s owner agreed to self-surrender the animal and arrange euthanasia at an outside veterinary clinic.

At the start of the special meeting, the Presiding Officer read the written complaint into the record, saying the incident occurred at about 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 at 764 Virginia Street and that the child received stitches and may require follow-up surgery. The Presiding Officer stated the complainant and owner were identified in the filing and asked whether the commission should find probable cause to proceed. Commission member Kendall moved to find probable cause; Linda seconded, and the Presiding Officer recorded the motion as approved.

Allison Martin, who identified herself for the record as the complainant and the child’s mother, described being called to take her son to the hospital and said medical personnel treated deep facial lacerations. Martin told the commission she had been told initially the injury came from a coffee table but said detectives and animal control informed her they believed a dog caused the injuries. "So that's just why I feel like the dog should be put down if the kids are gonna continue going over there," Martin said.

Derek Dunmire, who identified himself as the owner and a resident at 764 East Virginia Street, told the commission he initially thought the child struck a coffee table and did not intend to mislead investigators. He described his home layout and the circumstances he recalled when the injury occurred, and said Chloe, the dog involved, is about five years old and weighs roughly 95 to 100 pounds. Dunmire said he believed the incident was an accident and disputed that the dog had a history of bites. "I fully believe it was an accident," Dunmire said. "If the mother doesn't feel like those boys are gonna be safe in my house because of the dog, then the dog's gotta go."

Commission staff and a member of the commission discussed how the euthanasia could proceed consistent with animal control regulations. A staff member said the practical solution was for Dunmire to arrange an appointment at an outside veterinarian (he named "Highland" as his veterinarian) and for animal control to transport Chloe to that clinic; the staff member said that arrangement would allow Dunmire to be present. "Then animal control can transport Chloe to that place at that time and you can be there at that time," the staff member told Dunmire.

Dunmire confirmed he was agreeable to that arrangement and indicated he would coordinate with staff. The commission did not make a separate formal order to euthanize the dog during the meeting; rather, the owner indicated he would self-surrender Chloe and make the necessary appointment with the veterinarian. The Presiding Officer told the parties to contact Heather at animal control to finalize logistics.

After those arrangements were described, Lisa moved to adjourn the special meeting; Linda seconded, the Presiding Officer called the voice vote and the motion carried. The commission adjourned after instructing the parties to coordinate directly with staff and the named veterinary clinic.