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Sigourney council declares neighbor’s dog dangerous, orders removal after fatal attack
Summary
After a public comment describing a neighbor dog’s attack that led to a resident’s dog dying, the Sigourney City Council voted 4–2 to declare the animal dangerous and ordered its removal from city limits within 14 days.
At its Sept. 16 meeting, the Sigourney City Council voted to declare a neighbor’s dog dangerous and ordered the animal removed from the city within 14 days after hearing testimony that the dog attacked and killed a resident’s pet.
Resident and local media representative Steve Shettler told the council that while walking his two dogs near his home on West Spring, a neighbor’s dog named Nugget charged and lifted his nearly 14‑year‑old dog Stella, biting and shaking her. Shettler said an autopsy later showed Stella died from internal bleeding caused by being shaken. "I would like to see Nugget removed from our neighborhood after the incident," Shettler said.
Larry Stevens, Nugget’s owner, apologized and said the six‑year‑old Labradoodle has typically not been aggressive and is kept with an underground shock‑collar fence. Stevens said batteries and property lines can create unclear boundaries and that he had photos and video of neighbors interacting safely with the dog. "I have to say that I am deeply sorry that this happened," Stevens told the council.
Council members debated whether the incident met the city code definitions for an animal nuisance or a dangerous animal. Council member Clark reviewed ordinance sections cited by the Public Safety Committee, noting the difference between nuisance behaviors and the code’s dangerous‑animal provisions. Council member Conrad and Council member Lentz expressed concern about ordering removal and the consequences for the owners; Council member Schultz said the council must be consistent with the ordinance.
Council member Clark moved, seconded by Council member McLaughlin, to deem Nugget a dangerous animal and order removal from city limits within 14 days, with the owners required to notify the city clerk or code enforcement officer of where the dog was taken. The motion passed 4–2. Ayes: Council member Schultz, Council member Clark, Council member McLaughlin and Council member Iosbaker. Nays: Council member Conrad and Council member Lentz.
The council’s action imposes a city requirement under local ordinance; it does not state whether the owners intend to comply or where the dog will be relocated. The Stevens family stated during the meeting that they plan to move regardless of the council’s decision. The council discussion also included suggestions to review ordinance language about containment methods and property‑line incidents for future clarity.
