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Hearing officer denies appeal to return two dogs impounded during heat advisory
Summary
After hearing evidence from the chief animal control officer that two dogs showed signs of heat distress, the board denied an appeal to return the animals. Officer Sarah Goens said Ghost's temperature was 104.9°F and Gordo's about 102.9°F; the owner's representative apologized and pledged corrective steps.
A hearing to review the impoundment of two dogs ended with the board denying the owner's appeal after animal control testimony that the animals were in danger during a heat advisory.
Sarah Goens, chief animal control officer for Lafayette, testified she responded to a June 29 call at 2211 North 24th Street during a heat advisory and found two pit-mix dogs in the backyard panting heavily with multiple water bowls sitting in direct sunlight. Goens said on arrival she could not find the owners, a neighbor reported the dogs had been outside much of the day, and a veterinary exam at the shelter recorded a 104.9°F temperature for the smaller dog (Ghost) and about 102.9°F for the larger dog (Gordo).
"He his temperature was a 104.9, which falls in line with, when a dog's temperature hits a 105 degrees, that's when they're considered to be in heat stroke territory," Goens said, adding the animals were exhibiting signs that would only worsen as the day continued. She said the department relied on provisions of the city animal-control ordinance that prohibit leaving animals unattended during extreme weather and recommended the board deny the appeal.
Bridal Perez, speaking on behalf of her cousin (the owner, identified in the record as Aurora Valentina Gonzalez), apologized and accepted responsibility, saying the family had taken recent steps — including fencing and adding an air conditioner in the garage — and pledging that the situation would not recur.
A motion to deny the appeal was made, seconded and approved by voice vote; the hearing officer announced the appeal was denied. The hearing officer and ACO Goens told the owner's representative they would speak briefly afterward about next steps, including reclaiming or veterinary care arrangements as applicable.
What happens next: The appeal was denied; the board did not direct further policy changes in the meeting. Any reclaiming or care arrangements for the animals will be handled by animal control according to standard shelter procedures.
