Kenosha committee directs city attorney to seek court order on dog declared dangerous

The Kenosha Public Safety & Welfare Committee voted Dec. 8 to direct the city attorney to proceed with enforcement of the committee's Nov. 10 determination regarding Layla, a micro exotic English bully that the health department declared a dangerous animal. Assistant City Attorney Brian Coe told the committee the municipal code (14.05(b); 14.075 referenced in the meeting) provides two post-declaration options: place the animal under specified restrictions or have it humanely destroyed, and that transferring the animal out of the city now appears outside the committee's authority.

Why it matters: neighbors and rescue advocates urged an alternative disposition, including spaying, microchipping, training and out-of-county placement, and several people in the room said they would take or help rehome Layla. Committee members said they regretted the situation but that counsel's reading of the ordinance and the expiration of a 30-day window left limited legal options.

Public commenters pressed for alternatives. Heather Garin, who identified herself and said she has arranged with rescues and relatives in Illinois, said she would spay and train the dog and asked what the ordinance's 14 restrictions would require. Deanna Riggio, a nearby neighbor, told the committee she appreciated that people did not want the dog harmed but noted "over 30 citations" and three people bitten recorded in the file. Jacques Van Landeck, a former trainer, argued the incidents reflected owner supervision rather than the dog's nature and asked for leniency.

Cope's explanation of the ordinance listed the restrictions the owner would have to prove within 30 days if the committee placed the animal under restrictions: written proof of spay/neuter by a licensed veterinarian; placement of a microchip; current rabies vaccination; compliance with licensing requirements; segregation from non-household members; documentation of liability insurance covering the dangerous animal in a minimum amount of $300,000; posting a 24-by-24-inch sign indicating the animal is dangerous; muzzling and leashing while off the property and physical restraint while on the property; a structure on the property to restrain the animal; allowance of photographs for identification; annual property inspections by the health department; and notification requirements before selling or moving the animal. Coe told the committee that because the 30-day period tied to some options had elapsed, arranging removal to another municipality does not appear to be a lawful option under the current ordinance.

After discussion, the committee moved to "direct the city attorney to proceed with enforcement of the committee's Nov. 10, 2025 decision regarding Layla," the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; those present answered "aye." Chair Woodside said the matter was "the toughest decision I have to make." Assistant City Attorney Coe explained the next procedural step is for the city to file a petition in Kenosha Circuit Court seeking a judge's order to humanely destroy the animal; that petitioning process would set a scheduling conference and a hearing, and Layla's owner and other interested parties may appear and be heard in open court.

What comes next: the city attorney's office will prepare and file the petition in circuit court; if the court denies the petition the dog would remain in the custody of the humane society under current law, Coe said. The committee recorded the directive but did not reopen the Nov. 10 dangerous-animal determination itself, counsel emphasized.

Sources: statements and questions by Assistant City Attorney Brian Coe; public comments from Heather Garin, Deanna Riggio and Jacques Van Landeck; remarks by Chair Woodside and committee members during the Dec. 8 Kenosha Public Safety & Welfare meeting.