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Anderson officials declare one dog vicious, keep a second in custody pending evaluation after severe attack
Summary
The board declared a dog named Scar vicious after an attack that amputated a dog’s leg and ordered confinement requirements; in a separate, more severe case involving a large dog called Boo, the board directed the Animal Protection League to hold the animal for further evaluation and the city to coordinate next steps.
The Anderson Board of Public Safety addressed two animal‑control matters April 7. Assistant Chief Michael Anderson presented the first case: a reported March 20 attack on a walking trail in which a companion dog lost a leg and postal workers reported prior run‑ins with the animal. Owner Jessica Talifero appeared, confirmed the dog had gotten loose before and described steps she had taken (new collar and clip). Neighbors reported aggressive behavior; staff said the dog had been loose multiple times. The board voted to declare the dog (identified in the record as "Scar") vicious and ordered confinement requirements and signage; staff said future violations could lead to euthanasia.
In a separate case staff presented a severe unprovoked household attack by a large dog owned by David Fuller that inflicted major head injuries on a family member. The Animal Protection League director, Malia Stringer, testified the dog had been extremely aggressive at the shelter and that only the owner had been able to handle it safely. Board members expressed concern about the risk the animal poses in the community and the difficulty staff had moving the dog. After discussion the board moved to keep the dog at the shelter (Animal Protection League) while the city coordinates veterinary evaluation and next steps; the motion passed, with the board acknowledging euthanasia remained a possible outcome depending on evaluations and safety assessments.
Why it matters: The decisions balance owner rights, public‑safety concerns and shelter capacity. One dog was formally declared vicious with confinement conditions; the other will remain in the shelter for evaluation because of the severity of the attack and shelter staff’s inability to safely handle the animal without the owner.
What’s next: For Scar the owner must comply with confinement/kennel and signage requirements described in the written order; for the larger case staff and the shelter will pursue veterinary assessment and coordinate whether euthanasia, confinement or other options are feasible. The city indicated it will coordinate and, if necessary, cover costs associated with the disposition.
