When Thomas Casey’s dog bit Michael Barrett down to the bone, Barrett decided he’d had enough. After bringing a complaint to the city council at the beginning of March, members forwarded the issue to the Poplar Bluff Animal Control Board. The board held its open hearing Tuesday.
Barrett alleged a consistent pattern of violent behavior by the dog and a lack of restraint by the owner. He claimed it had attacked seven different people. Barrett’s case is the only official complaint, according to officials.
“I have never seen the animal on a leash,” Barrett told the board.
He said he was walking his dog on Feb. 5 when Casey’s dog ran out into the road. According to Barrett, it began to attack his dog and then bit him on the arm before Casey restrained it.
Barrett claimed Casey said he would put the animal down but never did. Frustrated, Barrett went to the authorities.
While some neighbors believed Casey’s dog to be part wolf, Animal Control identified it as a husky mix. Barrett explained Casey’s house is next to a pickup point for special education school buses.
“Something is going to happen and it’s going to be mortal,” he warned the board.
Mark Hastings, a Poplar Bluff animal control officer, advised board members the only option was to vote whether Casey’s dog was, “dangerous and vicious.”
He recalled the animal was relatively docile when Animal Control picked it up for a quarantine period after the attack. Board member Daron House remarked Casey’s absence from the hearing was evidence he did not care about the situation.
Heather Cornman, chair of the board, said she drove by Casey’s house and observed a lack of fencing. Barrett remained adamant the dog was a danger to the neighborhood and brought up a myriad of personal stories and accounts from friends.
He ultimately hoped to see Casey’s animal put down, but Hastings informed the group that the dangerous and vicious label was the only recourse at this time.
“Let’s get these options done,” board member Rodney Reagan stated.
Reagan agreed other measures should be pursued before putting the dog down. The board voted unanimously to label the animal dangerous and vicious with member Eric Schalk being absent. As a result, Casey will be required to either remove the animal from city limits or build an enclosure.
The enclosure would need to have a fence at least one foot deep into the ground and enclosed on top. Casey would also need to put up a sign warning passersby and maintain a minimum $50,000 liability insurance policy. Finally, the dog must be leashed and muzzled at all times outside.
Board members explained to Barrett if Casey is found in violation of this order, the dog can be seized. At that point, the board would make a recommendation to a circuit judge who would make the final decision on whether to put it down.
Barrett thanked the board for their time and reiterated his concern for the safety of the neighborhood. Hastings explained he would notify Casey by mail and in person as soon as possible.
It has been nearly a year since the animal control board was last required to convene.