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Council unanimously overturns 'vicious animal' designation for dog Amber after appeal
Summary
The council reversed a police designation that declared a dog 'vicious' following a May 9 biting incident, after the owner's testimony, witness statements, and council debate about ordinance wording; the overturn was unanimous and Amber may return home.
The Anamosa City Council unanimously voted on May 27 to overturn a police officer’s determination that a dog named Amber be classified as a vicious animal following a May 9 incident.
Owner Aubrey Watkins described Amber’s rescue history, long-term nonaggressive record and provided veterinary and groomer statements. "She is 100% not a dangerous dog," Watkins said, and a groomer’s written statement provided at the hearing supported that view. The police chief, Eric Worling, summarized the officer’s report and photos showing a wound to the bite victim’s left calf and explained the department’s reading of the city code. Chief Worling said the department had photographic evidence of bleeding and described the incident as meeting the ordinance’s wording for a vicious animal under one subsection.
Councilors questioned whether the ordinance’s "running at large" language fit a case in which a chain broke and the dog’s owner was immediately present and attempted to regain control. One councilor said the lack of a written victim statement and timing of events complicated the matter. After public supporters described Amber’s calm behavior around children and in public, one councilor moved to reverse the police designation without conditions; the motion passed unanimously. The council advised the owner to take reasonable precautions to avoid a repeat incident.
