Fairbanks North Star Borough panel upholds ‘dangerous’ designation for dog Raph, orders kennel, muzzle and fencing conditions

The Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control Commission on April 20 upheld two dangerous‑animal determinations for an 8‑year‑old chow‑mix named Raph and imposed containment and behavior requirements intended to prevent further bites.

The commission voted unanimously, 6–0, to affirm the animal control officer’s findings in two separate incidents with incident numbers B26‑003624 (March 20, 2026) and B26‑003631 (March 27, 2026). Commissioner Rosenberg moved to affirm the first determination and adopt seven conditions and eight findings of fact; Commissioner Johnson seconded. Later, Commissioner Johnson moved to affirm the second determination with augmented conditions; that motion also carried 6–0.

Staff had recommended upholding the determinations after describing three prior bite events involving Raph, including an earlier 2018 incident. Officer Hekimovich, who led the presentation for animal control, said the borough’s standard is a preponderance of the evidence and that the first 2026 bite left an 8‑year‑old child identified in the staff report as Lilith May Gridley with bruises, abrasions and puncture marks requiring emergency care. "This isn't a criminal proceeding," Officer Ross said in opening remarks, "our burden of proof is...a greater than 50% chance that something happened." Staff also reported multiple quarantine violations during a home quarantine period imposed after the first bite.

Owner Robert Heinbuck disputed that Raph is a dangerous dog, told the commission Raph is "not a vicious animal" and argued the incidents were provoked by children's roughhousing and teasing. Several neighbors and witnesses testified on the owner’s behalf; one, Dylan Sparks, said his 2‑year‑old son spends time with Raph and that he had not observed violent behavior. "He's a good dog," Heinbuck said in his testimony. "He don't need to be treated like a criminal."

Animal control pushed back, citing the neighborhood’s density and repeated reports that Raph will chase and nip when children run or act erratically. After the second incident — which staff said occurred while the dog was under a home quarantine — staff strengthened recommended conditions to include a muzzle requirement whenever Raph is outside the prescribed kennel or is being walked, proof of evaluation by a certified animal behaviorist, a locked enclosure or a kennel with a roof and secured bottom to prevent children from climbing in, and signage to warn parents and neighbors.

Commissioners questioned feasibility details, including park rules that limit fence height to 4 feet in Lakeview Trailer Park and the practicalities of meeting a May 1 compliance deadline; staff clarified the condition language requires a minimum 6‑foot enclosed kennel (top and bottom) and that a tied‑out runner alone does not meet the requirements. The owner said he would neuter Raph (scheduled at Animal Health Veterinary Clinic) and offered to erect fences or locks where possible, but repeatedly said he opposed treating Raph as dangerous and worried that some conditions were unduly restrictive.

In discussing the motions, commissioners said the conditions are strict but aimed at avoiding a more serious future injury that could lead to an eventual euthanasia proceeding. Commissioner Sherman said the measures are "onerous" but necessary to prevent the worst‑case outcome; Commissioner Gardner and others noted that the requirements can be reviewed after one year if conditions are met and there are no further incidents.

The commission directed that written findings and conclusions will follow the oral motions. Staff and the owner were reminded of appeal rights: an owner aggrieved by the commission’s decision may appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days; notice of intent to appeal must be given to the animal control officer within 72 hours. The dog’s microchip number and the incident identifiers were entered into the record (microchip 981020027826923; incidents B26‑003624 and B26‑003631). The hearing adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

What happens next: the conditions must be met as written and, if complied with and no further incidents occur, the owner may request modification after a year; if conditions are not followed or if another bite occurs, the next proceeding could be an euthanasia hearing.

(Reporting includes testimony and recommendations taken at the Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control Commission hearing on April 20, 2026.)