Resident recounts dog bite as board confronts gaps in Peletier animal control

Kelly Mitchell, a resident of Peletier Shores, told the Peletier Board of Commissioners during public comment that a neighbor’s German wirehaired pointer bit her hand on June 29, requiring four stitches and antibiotics.

“I had to get 4 stitches and be on an antibiotic,” Mitchell said, describing the initial incident and a later episode when the same dog charged at her child. She said she filed a police report and contacted town hall but was told Peletier lacked direct support from county animal control.

Lieutenant Chris Johnson, the town’s code-enforcement officer, confirmed the town has seen a marked increase in animal-control calls—requests for cat traps, dogs running at large and several repeat offenders—and reported issuing four state citations and two general warnings in August. Johnson said the sheriff’s division has been handling related calls but that the county’s reduced service left the town without a clear, routine animal-control provider.

Commissioners discussed options including drafting a town protocol and potentially contracting with an outside provider or the county. One commissioner urged the board to obtain the county handbook or contract template to understand costs and training requirements; another warned that hiring an independent contractor would require clear rules and scope because individual contractors typically lack the equipment or authority to handle large, dangerous animals.

The board agreed staff should research county contract terms and draft an animal-control protocol—covering trap use, handling of large dogs and escalation steps—so the town can present costs and options at the next meeting.

Mitchell said she is willing to help find a solution but emphasized that residents need an enforceable response now. The board did not adopt a new animal-control program at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to investigate options and report back.