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Hayward council orders allegedly aggressive dog removed after victim’s testimony
Summary
After extended public testimony about a Nov. 1 attack, the Hayward City Council voted Nov. 12, 2025 to order a dog removed from city limits; the vote was 3–0–1 with one abstention. The victim urged removal after describing repeated bites and fearing for her dog’s life.
The Hayward City Council voted Nov. 12 to require the removal of a dog from city limits after hearing emotional testimony from a resident who said the animal attacked her and her pet.
Tracy McManaman, who identified herself as a lifelong Hayward resident and a secretary at West Sue school, told the council she was finishing a walk on Nov. 1 when a "full-sized German Shepherd barreling at us with the intent to kill." "The sole intent of this dog was to kill my dog," McManaman said, describing multiple bites and her effort to carry her 50-pound dog to safety.
An owner who spoke earlier at the podium said she was not present during the incident, that the dog normally behaved around people and other dogs, and offered video she said shows normal behavior. The owner said she "was asleep" and first learned of the attack from a neighbor.
Council members questioned whether the animal showed aggressive behavior at veterinary care. Staff reported that on Nov. 3 "staff at the Wes Sue Vet called the police department" and said they had difficulty getting the animal outside and had observed aggression, and that the owner had to assist vet staff in handling the dog.
Council members debated the public-safety risk and owner control. Derek moved to have the animal removed from town; Christie seconded. In a roll call Derek and Christie voted yes, John abstained, and Clucky voted yes. The motion carried with three yes votes and one abstention.
Council directed staff to issue an order requiring the dog be removed from the city and warned that if the animal returned to city limits officials could seek further action, up to euthanasia. Council members discussed possible placement options and noted a shelter in the Sioux Falls area that may accept certain breeds.
The order to remove the animal is the council action recorded at the meeting; the owner was told staff would provide removal instructions. The council did not vote to euthanize the animal at the meeting.
The hearing was the most contested item on the agenda, with residents citing multiple prior incidents of loose or aggressive dogs in town and urging the council to prioritize walker and child safety.
