The Board of Health met 08/14/2024. One of the information items they received an update on was the order declaring the dog River to be a prohibited dangerous animal.
I’ve prepared a transcript of the discussion for download:
River had already been declared a dangerous animal back in June of 2023 after having engaged in a string of incidents involved aggressive behavior and unprovoked attacked against other dogs and/or humans. As a result of that declaration, her owner was required to keep her leashed and muzzled at all times when she was outside of her dwelling in Appleton.
In July of 2024, River was declared a prohibited dangerous animal after an incident on 07/05/2024 in which she attacked and bit a vet tech at North Heights Veterinary Clinic. During the unprovoked attack, River bit the tech three time in different locations. Additionally, her owner admitted he was not muzzling her when he took her on walks which was a requirement under the basic dangerous animal order issued in 2023.
Because she was declared a prohibited dangerous animal, she was no longer allowed within the limits of the City of Appleton. The owner had the option to either rehome her outside the city or to put her down.
Health Officer Charles Sepers told the board that the owner had rehomed the dog outside of Appleton.
Board Chair Cathy Spears asked if Appleton was going to alert the community where River had been moved to. Health Officer Sepers replied that they would.
He mentioned to the board that people would be surprised by the number of routine animal bites that occur on a daily basis in Appleton. On average, there were 4 to 5 a day. Only the most severe ones came before the board. He said that Officer Matt Fillebrown and the animal control division were very careful and thoughtful in determining which bite incidents rose to the level that required a dangerous animal declaration. “[T]hese declarations are not done in a light hearted manner. They are very considerate of the situation.”
View full meeting details and video here: https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1224339&GUID=854F5C40-96E3-4007-954F-FB2ED59A5D9F
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