Nicole Thomas, a Maysville resident who survived a dog mauling, urges tougher dangerous‑dog penalties

Nicole Thomas, a Maysville resident, told the Board of Commissioners that she was attacked by two pit bulls on Oct. 5 and has since undergone multiple surgeries. "It is imperative that the City of Maysville protects its citizens, their pets and visitors from preventable attacks by vicious animals," she said, asking the city to increase owner accountability and strengthen penalties.

Thomas said the animals were returned to their owners the day after the attack and that she was told by then‑police leadership that her injury was not exceptional. "I might not be the first person to get attacked and bit by a dog, but my hope is I will be the last," she said.

City officials thanked Thomas for coming forward and described next steps. A member of the board said an ordinance addressing dangerous dogs is on the calendar for further discussion next month and that a copy of a draft ordinance had been distributed to commissioners. The speaker asked Thomas to provide her written recommendations so staff could share them with the full board.

The city attorney briefly interjected during an earlier public comment to caution speakers about discussing personnel matters; no personnel action was taken in tonight's public session.

What happens next: The board said it plans to discuss the proposed ordinance again at a future meeting (the speaker described the item as scheduled for further discussion next month); staff and commissioners asked members to review the draft and said they would accept written recommendations from Thomas for circulation to all commissioners.