Dearborn County Commissioners on Thursday upheld an animal-control determination that a German shepherd–Belgian Malinois mix owned by Carrie Chambers is a “vicious and dangerous” dog but granted the owner 60 days to pursue a perimeter-fence solution and asked staff to review progress on Feb. 17.

The hearing followed an administrative determination by Dearborn County Animal Control Director Steve Hostetter that the dog had been involved in multiple dog-on-dog attacks, including incidents recorded on Oct. 6 and Dec. 2, and that the county’s containment standards were not being met by the owner’s in-ground electric fence. Hostetter told the panel investigators had two recorded bite incidents and victim-family testimony that together supported the determination.

The case centered on competing accounts. Victim Paula Roman said repeated attacks had left her and her pet traumatized and that she feared for her safety, telling the board, “If this continues, I'm gonna have to purchase a gun.” Her son-in-law, Andrew Schwab, told commissioners he documented multiple attacks and presented photos and receipts; he said the total veterinary bills related to the incidents were “$10,697.23 to be exact.”

Chambers, the dog’s owner, told the commissioners the dog is seven years old and has been contained by an in-ground electric fence for seven years. She denied being told about some prior injuries and said a neighbor’s visitor sometimes provoked her dog. Chambers said she was willing to “move my electric fence back from the property line” and to pay for a perimeter fence if that proved feasible.

Animal Control recommended stricter physical containment than a typical underground electric fence, suggesting a full perimeter fence at least 6 feet tall with double-latching gates and the ability to lock gates. Hostetter warned that an underground fence “would not satisfy those requirements” for a dog determined to be vicious and said without action the situation could recur.

Under county ordinance (referenced by staff as Dearborn County Code sections 90.18 and 90.19), a vicious-dog determination triggers additional restraint, insurance and quarantine requirements. Commissioners read those provisions during the hearing, including the requirement that an attended vicious dog on the owner’s property be on a leash no longer than 10 feet and kept at least 15 feet inside perimeter boundaries, and that muzzling is required in many circumstances.

After discussion about whether the city of Aurora’s zoning and permit rules would allow the perimeter fence the owner might need, a commissioner moved to keep the determination in place, apply the county’s quarantine rules immediately, authorize a staff review of the owner’s efforts to install an acceptable perimeter barrier, and revisit the case in roughly 60 days. The motion carried by voice vote. The board also authorized a staff member, “Jim,” to sign the written determination once the document is prepared.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the interim obligations: if the dog is outside and not in a secure perimeter, it must be on a leash and, depending on the enclosure, muzzled as required by the ordinance. The next formal review is scheduled for the second commissioners meeting in February (target date: Feb. 17), when the board said it will assess whether the owner can meet perimeter-fence requirements or obtain zoning relief.

The hearing record includes sworn testimony from the victim and her witness, a detailed recounting of multiple incidents and estimated veterinary costs, the owner’s offer to move her electric containment system and install additional fencing if feasible, and Animal Control’s recommendation that a permanent physical perimeter be constructed to mitigate future risks. The commission’s action maintains the written determination while providing a path for the owner to seek compliance with county requirements and local zoning constraints.

The county will prepare the written determination and notify Chambers in writing of the quarantine requirements and the specifications the commission expects for perimeter containment. The matter will be reviewed at the commissioners’ meeting on Feb. 17.