Village of Waterford board deems dog 'vicious' and starts owner notification

The Village of Waterford Village Board voted Jan. 12 to deem an animal a vicious dog under Ordinance 87-13B after a quasi-judicial hearing in which the dog owner did not appear.

Zeke Jackson read the owner’s written statement and told trustees the owner did not assert any of the three statutory preclusions that would prevent a finding of viciousness. Jackson also reminded the board of the appeal timeline: the notice was issued Dec. 23, 2025, and an appeal would have needed to be requested by Jan. 2 under the schedule described in the packet. The President of the homeowners association submitted a letter supporting a finding that the animal is vicious, citing concerns for neighborhood children and pets. The packet also included a written statement from the City of Racine Public Health Department and a letter from the Police Chief.

Trustee Andy Ewert moved and Trustee Bob Nash seconded a motion "to execute the Village of Waterford Vicious Animal Ordinance as is and take the testimony of the City of Racine Public Health Department, via their written statement, and use their findings to deem this dog as a vicious animal." The board recorded "All ayes" and the motion carried. Jackson said village staff will notify the owner by email, certified mail and physical process service (sworn officer) and will start the 10-day appeal clock on the day the latest notice is received. If the Village does not receive notification of an appeal within that period, the minutes state the animal would need to be rehomed.

No in-person testimony from the owner was recorded; the minutes note the owner provided a written statement explaining why they could not be present. The board’s action was based on the written materials in the packet and the recommendation Jackson presented. The board did not record any amendments to the ordinance or conditions on the order in the minutes.