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Resident describes near‑fatal dog mauling on Cape Canaveral beach; asks council to raise fines and strengthen enforcement
Summary
A Winter Haven resident told the council she was mauled by a dog on a Cape Canaveral beach last November and urged the city to raise fines and enforce leash/beach rules; council expressed sympathy and suggested follow‑up meetings with staff and animal control.
Mary Scabona told the City Council on April 15 that on Nov. 14 she was attacked and nearly killed by a dog on a Cape Canaveral beach and that recovery has required ongoing therapy. She asked the council to consider tougher local penalties for unleashed or dangerous dogs and to make changes she said would prevent similar incidents.
"I was attacked mauled and nearly killed by a dog on a Cape Canaveral beach," Scabona said, describing severe wounds and ongoing physical and psychological effects. She said the dog was off‑leash and that she had difficulty getting follow‑up from city officials. Council members responded with sympathy; one said staff and deputies had already examined enforcement options and offered to follow up with the resident directly to explore possible policy changes and next steps.
Council Member Willis and others indicated staff would circle back with Scabona and other stakeholders to review enforcement, fines and education options. No formal ordinance was proposed during the meeting; council members asked staff to arrange follow‑up and to include the topic in future discussions or budget workshops as appropriate.
