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Decatur Board of Works gives dog owner five days to meet release conditions after biting incident
Summary
The Decatur City Board of Works extended the compliance deadline by five days for Deborah Nanette Steiner to meet conditions to reclaim her dog Coco after a July 13 bite that required emergency treatment; the board listed vaccination, training, proof of housing and payment of impound fees as conditions.
The Decatur City Board of Works on an appeal hearing extended a compliance deadline by five days for Deborah Nanette Steiner so she can meet conditions to reclaim her dog Coco, who was impounded after a July 13 incident that sent a man to the emergency room.
Chair (S3) told the board the Decatur Police Department had impounded the animal and that city ordinances require a minimum 14-day impound after a human bite; the chair said owners have a statutory five-day window to request a hearing. "It must be impounded for a minimum of 14 days," the chair said, and described the board's role as affirming, modifying or rescinding the enforcement order.
Steiner, who identified herself as Deborah Nanette Steiner, acknowledged ownership of Coco and the July 13 bite that resulted in severe facial lacerations. The chair said the victim required "21 stitches, in his face." Steiner said Coco is a support/special‑needs dog: "He's my... He's my support."
The board laid out conditions for release that Steiner must show within the extended period: proof of an appointment with a veterinarian to update vaccinations, payment of impound fees, proof of residency or a signed lease showing appropriate housing, a scheduled obedience class to be completed within six months and presentation of a muzzle. The chair noted obedience training completion within six months is an obligation under the order.
Board members discussed the statutory timeline and the length of the impound. Because the owner said she misunderstood the order and did not appear to be challenging the designation, the board agreed a short extension would allow her to provide documentation. A motion to extend the five‑day compliance window (to next Tuesday) and require the listed proofs was moved and seconded; the transcript does not specify the mover or seconder by name. The board approved the motion by voice vote.
The board said if the owner fails to show proof of compliance within the time allowed, the impound will remain and animal control will determine the next steps under local ordinance.
