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Family urges 'vicious' designation after child treated for head wounds in Eden hearing
Summary
A Town of Eden vicious-dog hearing heard that 7-year-old Evelyn (surname not specified) sustained staples and stitches after an attack by a dog named Dozer on May 26, 2025; the family asked that Dozer be labeled vicious and removed, while owners disputed prior aggression. The panel reserved a written decision.
Members of a family said a child required hospital treatment after an attack by a dog named Dozer and urged Town of Eden officials to label the animal 'vicious.' Charles Oldham, who wrote the official complaint, said under oath that Evelyn "had 16 staples in her scalp and 6 stitches in front of her ear" after an incident he described in a letter read into the record that occurred on 5/26/25 at approximately 4:30 p.m. The letter says Evelyn was attacked at the Lawrence residence and that the child was bitten on the scalp and side of her face.
The family asked the hearing panel to find the statutory elements listed under 20 BSA 3546 — that the dog bit the victim, acted without provocation, was off its owner's premises and that the victim required medical attention — so the board could impose orders including humane disposition. Charles Oldham said he believes the owners were negligent and is seeking compensation for medical expenses and counseling. The hearing record also notes that the hospital indicated the dog did bite the victim and that medical attention was required; Whitney Lawrence, who took the child to the emergency room, said she could not confirm whether it was a bite or scratch.
The hearing was opened at 5:05 p.m. and closed at 5:28 p.m.; the members moved to deliberate in private and will issue a written decision to all parties.
