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Hammond board keeps muzzling requirement, agrees to review animal ordinance after dog bite reports
Summary
After police reported two bite incidents involving a dog at 1275 2nd St, the Village of Hammond required muzzling when off owner’s property and voted to revisit the animal ordinance; the motion passed 6–1 on a roll-call vote.
At the June 8 meeting, Terry Erickson of 1275 2nd St appealed a classification labeling his pet as "vicious," describing how the dog escaped and prompted a neighbor’s fear that children might be bitten. Police Chief Dan Orr told the board the department has two reports that the dog bit someone.
Resident Ruth Viellieu told trustees she does not consider the dog vicious and said she trusts the animal around her grandson. After discussion, Trustee Kim Olson moved that the board revisit the village animal ordinance but that, until that review is complete, the owner must muzzle the dog when it is off the owner’s property. Trustee Laurie Gruber seconded.
The board approved the motion on a roll-call vote: Shayne Birkeland — aye; Lynn Pabst — nay; Dan Curran — aye; President Tony Bibeau — aye; Laurie Gruber — aye; Kim Olson — aye; Bob Trudell — aye. The motion carried 6–1.
Why it matters: The vote preserves an immediate safety restriction while directing staff and trustees to consider whether the village’s animal ordinance should be changed. The muzzling order remains an enforceable condition until the ordinance review produces any changes.
What’s next: The animal ordinance will be placed on a future meeting agenda for review; the muzzling requirement remains in effect in the interim.
