Animal Control Commission affirms euthanasia order for dog after 3–1 vote

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control Commission voted 3–1 on Feb. 27 to affirm an animal control officer’s mandated euthanasia order for a dog known as Pluto after hearing staff evidence that the dog had repeatedly attacked sheep.

Animal control staff said they began receiving reports about animals from the owner’s residence at multiple locations in September 2024 and that Pluto later injured livestock on Jan. 14 and again on Jan. 26, 2026. Officer Foster, the agency’s staff presenter, told the commission that prior conditions requiring secure kennels and fencing had been issued on Jan. 15 and that staff found the owner repeatedly failed to meet those conditions. “Overall, after reviewing the history of Pluto, the owner's unwillingness to cooperate, and another severe injury sustained to the sheep, Ethel, the determination and mandated euthanasia was made,” Foster said.

The staff report included video evidence and a written statement from the…