[Lockwood] Update on dog attacks on Rumson Road

Dear Neighbors, It's come to our attention that there was a problem with the video stream during last night's East CAC meeting just before the Animal Control officer updated us on the situation involving the St. Bernard on Rumson Road that's been involved in multiple attacks on other dogs. I am happy to share my notes to bring everyone up to date on that. The officer said that her department's case against the dog involved two dogs attacked on the greenway, and two other incidents involving attacks on dogs in their backyard (in one case, one dog, and in another, two). They have completed a dangerous-dog report on the St. Bernard, whose name is Honey, and the case now goes to a judge. Since Animal Control filed the paperwork in the case, they have gotten three more reports of Honey running at large. If the judge declares the dog dangerous, the owners have the right to appeal and would get a hearing. If the dog is deemed a danger, the owners would still be able to keep the animal, but when unattended outside it would have to be kept behind a chain-link enclosure with a locked gate. (The attacks occurred after the dog broke off its tether.) The owners would also have to muzzle the dog when outside. Someone asked who pays the injured dogs' vet bills. The officer said that's a matter for the civil courts. The officer also noted that Animal Control does not have the power to simply take away dogs in situations like this, and she said it is very rare for an animal to be seized from an owner. Since the problem with Honey arose, Animal Control has gotten a lot more calls about strays in the area. They are asking people to please continue to make those calls. They also encouraged people to snap pictures of animal problems to share with officers when possible. To reach Animal Control, call 919-831-6311, or 911 if it's an emergency. Hope that's helpful, Sue Sturgis Former ECAC Secretary