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Caddo Parish administration urges containment rules after dog-mauling; 48 sq. ft. minimum cited
Summary
After a dog-mauling incident, an animal-services investigator told the commission that tethering without containment violates local ordinance and that minimum containment per animal is 48 square feet (6x8). The investigation is ongoing and staff will follow up.
The Caddo Parish Commission heard an update on an animal-mauling incident in one commissioner’s district and was briefed on local animal-control requirements.
Commissioner Ken Epperson asked Kevin Samuels, an animal-services investigator, to explain the case; Samuels said the investigation remains open but emphasized that the parish ordinance requires a minimum of 48 square feet (6 by 8 feet) per animal for containment. "So to look at it a different way...minimum containment is 48 square feet, 6 by 8 feet per animal," Samuels said, adding that tethering an animal without adequate containment constitutes an ordinance violation.
Samuels said in the reported incident the tethered dog lacked proper containment and was subsequently attacked by a dog at large; he described both parties as "wrong" in the circumstance and said the hospital notification protocol triggered animal-services involvement. When a person seeks treatment at a hospital for a bite or scratch, Samuels said, hospital staff are expected to notify animal services as part of the quarantine and investigation process.
Commissioners requested follow-up on the case and asked administration to confirm quarantine and fee procedures; staff said they would look into the specifics and report back. The commission also discussed the difference between those who tether with containment and those who tether without it, and legal and civil remedies available to affected residents.
The commission did not take formal action on the incident during the session; staff will continue the investigation and provide updates.
