Monterey hearing considers euthanizing neighborhood dog after multiple attacks, owner contests claims

A hearing officer in Monterey heard conflicting testimony on Jan. 12, 2026 over whether a large dog called Bingo should be declared vicious and euthanized after multiple alleged attacks on people and pets.

Assistant City Attorney Karen Katley opened the city’s case, telling hearing officer Daisy Yep that under Monterey City Code, Chapter 6, section 31E the city seeks a determination that Bingo is vicious and an order for humane euthanasia. "The department's position is that Bingo is vicious and should be euthanized," Katley said, and the city asked the officer also to bar the dog’s owner from keeping any dog for 36 months and to require payment of impoundment and disposition costs.

The city presented several witnesses who testified to separate incidents. Leo Gomez, an investigator with the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, said he was bitten on June 2, 2025 when he approached 101 Helm Street to serve a subpoena, suffered puncture wounds and bruising to his right thigh, and later received a course of rabies shots. "I had to undergo a series of six painful injections for the rabies shots," Gomez testified. He also said the residents at the property refused to provide proof of vaccination.

Monterey police Officer Austin Luke told the hearing he was bitten on June 11, 2025 while…