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Resident reports repeated dog attacks; police say case under investigation and cite July 1 state change
Summary
A Lighthouse Point resident described multiple dog attacks in a cul-de-sac and urged code changes; Police Chief DeCarle said the incident is under investigation, indicated the city will enforce its nuisance-animal rules and noted a new Florida law effective July 1 that may require code updates.
Deborah Blackman, a resident who said she lives on Northeast 27th Terrace, told the commission she has been a victim of dog bites "since the beginning of this year," described other neighbors who were attacked but reluctant to report, and urged the city to change rules or enforcement practices to keep sidewalks safe.
"I've been a victim of dog bites for since the beginning of this year," Blackman said, noting animal-control citations and a quarantine order had not stopped the owner from parading the dog through the neighborhood. Police Chief DeCarle responded that the case is being investigated and that staff met with administration to determine next steps: "It is being investigated right now... We are moving forward to enforce our city ordinance. It is under control." He also cautioned that Florida enacted a statewide dangerous-dog law affecting definitions and procedures, effective July 1, and staff will review how that law affects local code.
Commissioners asked whether the matter would escalate from a nuisance designation to a dangerous-dog finding and whether additional incidents would be required for that change; Chief DeCarle explained the statutory threshold and said the city will monitor and pursue enforcement steps consistent with both city code and the incoming state law.
