Dangerous dog bites raising concerns in Winfield, including death of bitten dog
Dangerous dog bite complaints have been on the rise in town, including one in which a bitten dog died, Winfield Town Marshal Robert Byrd reported on Tuesday at the Town Council meeting.
'We have to make a clear statement to control your animal,' Byrd said.
Byrd said there have been three dog bite attacks and one dog charging complaint, resulting in two adults and two dogs being bitten, with one dog losing its life due to the injuries received.
Another incident involved a resident who was just walking down the street when a dog, which had gotten away from its owner, charged and challenged the person.
The Winfield Police Department and Code Enforcement Officer investigate all dog complaints, and when a dog bite has occurred, a fine of $250 is imposed for the first offense, with the fine amount increasing in the event of further offenses, he said.
The dog bite incidents can also lead to additional costs to the owner if individuals take civil action, he said.
Complaints that will be investigated include dogs knowingly or negligently running at large, in the event of further offenses, chasing persons or vehicles, barking, howling, yelping or making noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of a neighborhood, according to the Town of Winfield Code of Ordinances, Chapter 92.
In other business, the Town Council directed Byrd to work with and address complaints voiced by residents living north of 109th Avenue, on Park Street.
Denis Dmitriev, one of several residents who came to the Town Council meeting to voice complaints, said the business plaza located just off 109th Avenue has not been a good neighbor.
The business complex allows cars of customers and others to park along the west side of Park Street, which causes problems for homeowners.
Those problems include blocking the street so that garbage trucks and emergency vehicles can't get through.
'We worry about safety. It's not a wide road,' Dmitriev said.
The issue affects some 16 homeowners, Dmitriev said.
Homeowner Sandra Murphy said she has even had her garbage container blocked when someone at the business plaza parked his car in front of it.
'I put my container out on Monday and he parks in front of it,' Murphy said.
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