TENNESSEE -- A dog that attacked local dentist Dr. Teresa Larkins and her own dog on Sunday, Aug. 7, was finally turned over to the authorities Tuesday afternoon after its owner reportedly sent the dog out of state to avoid it being quarantined by the Lebanon Police Department according to city and state laws.
At approximately 12:07 a.m., Sunday, Lebanon officers responded to a call about a dog attack at 404 Amarillo Drive, discovering that Larkins and her dog had been reportedly viciously attacked by a Rottweiler.
Larkins explained that she and her son had just arrived home from a trip to Kentucky and she was letting her Miniature Schnauzer out to use relieve itself. She said the Rottweiler attacked them both until her son had to fire gunshots to get the dog to leave.
“The dog was vicious. This was a horrible, horrible attack,” Larkins said.
Larkins received a severe laceration to her chin, requiring 30 stitches and was treated at University Medical Center in Lebanon. She also suffered wounds on her hand as well. Larkins’ dog was treated at a local veterinarian’s office with lacerations.
The dog responsible for the attack was a Rottweiler owned by Michael K. Turner III, 28, of 402 Amarillo Drive, who admitted to police he had a Rottweiler, but refused to let officers take custody of the dog. Officers explained the dog must be quarantined after biting someone according to the Lebanon Municipal Code.
Officers returned to Turner’s home on Monday, Aug. 8, and again informed Turner the dog must be quarantined according not only to the Lebanon Municipal Code, but also per Tennessee Code Annotated.
“I have been afraid to go outside with my dog,” Larkins said, adding that she was relieved the Rottweiler was finally picked up by Lebanon Animal Control on Tuesday afternoon.
Turner told officers the dog had been sent out of state, and officers placed him under arrest for violating TCA 68-8-110. After being arrested, Turner reportedly stated that he could have the dog brought to the authorities within minutes.
Turner was transported to the Wilson County Jail and charged with Hiding or Concealing an Animal. Turner made bond and was released from the jail on Monday.
Also that day, officers cited Stephanie Beggs, 26, also of 420 Amarillo Drive, for allowing the Rottweiler to run at large, for keeping a vicious dog and not allowing the dog to be quarantined.
Beggs was previously cited on June 5 for allowing the same Rottweiler to run at large after the same victim and her dog were almost attacked. Beggs was scheduled to appear in Lebanon City Court for the June citation today.
Larkins said in June, she was outside with her dog when the Rottweiler came over into her yard and was reportedly being aggressive. She went to the neighbor’s home and tried to get someone to come outside and get the dog, but said no one came to the door.
She then called Animal Control and the police issued Beggs a citation for having the Rottweiler running at large. Larkins said later that day, an officer had to physically hold the dog while her own dog was outside.
“The police officer was holding the dog by the collar on my porch,” Larkins said.
She said the wounds on her hand have prevented her from working this week and said she will not be totally relieved until the animal has been destroyed.
The Police Department has been in contact with the District Attorney’s Office in reference to obtaining a petition to have the dog destroyed due to the attack on Larkins.
(Wilson Post - August 10, 2011)
UPDATE: Judge orders dog destroyed
A Wilson County judge ordered Friday that a Lebanon woman’s Rottweiler be destroyed after two separate attacks.
Stephanie Beggs, of 402 Amarillo Drive, was cited for allowing "Roxy" to run at large June 5 and Aug. 8. In the August incident, she was also cited for keeping a vicious dog and not allowing the dog to be quarantined. She pleaded guilty to both incidents and was charged with more than $400 in fines.
The dog has been released to Wilson County Animal Control to be put down.
(The Tennessean - August 28, 2011)
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