Tinley Park police ticketed Furever Rescue owner Shannon Smith after Buddy bit two vet technicians at the Veterinary Clinic of Tinley Park on Feb 21.
Village officials held a hearing Wednesday night where an administrative officer ruled that Smith did not allow a dangerous animal to run free in the village but did fine her for the dog bite.
In his ruling, administrative adjudicator Mike Carroll said "it's clear that the dog is dangerous."
Buddy, who is also known as Sampson, had been brought into the clinic by Stephanie Hanson, who identified herself during the hearing as the dog's foster mom.
The pit bull bit one woman in the face and another woman on both arms. Photos from the scene show blood on the clinic's floor and wall.
Carroll said he would not fine Smith the maximum amount allowed under the law ($750) due to testimony indicating that the dog had not generally been violent.
Hanson, the dog's foster mom, told the hearing officer that she had not previously seen aggression from Buddy.
Smith testified that the dog had undergone temperment testing and "passed with flying colors."
Hanson testified she brought the dog to the Tinley Park clinic because he needed sutures removed and she thought he had an infection.
Following the attack, Buddy was taken to an animal hospital and is currently being held by the county. Hanson said she has gone to visit him and testified that the vets play with him and "really like him."
Anthony Concialdi, who is also a foster to the dog, previously posted a petition on Change.org calling on the Tinley Park Police Department and the Cook County Circuit Court to "let Buddy come home."
On that website, Concialdi said the dog had not exhibited violent tendencies in the past. There he said he is "willing to accept any restrictions that may be imposed on the condition of his release."
Buddy is being held pending a "vicious dog hearing" in the Circuit Court, officials said. Spokesman Frank Shuftan said a hearing date has not been set as of April 2.
Through an attorney, Smith declined to comment after the hearing. She has previously said Buddy is "a good dog."
Cynthia Cecott, who owns the Veterinary Clinic of Tinley Park, said after the hearing that the ruling was what she expected.
Asked what she wants to happen with Buddy, Cecott said: "I don't want to see (the) dog bite again."
(Chicago Tribune - April 4, 2014)
Earlier:
No comments:
Post a Comment