Dangerous Dog Appeals Court

Back in May we brought you the story of Marci Raneri, who felt threatened by a 4 year old pit bull on Woodlawn Avenue. She made a complaint against “Heat” the pitbull and one of the dog’s owners, Sarah Neal, who received specific instructions from the dangerous dog court appeals board after both parties were heard on May 14: “the dog is to be supervised at all times, with a muzzle or a gentle leader and a leash and he is to be neutered within 30 days.”

It turns out “Heat” the pitbull did not get neutered, plus he got loose early one morning in June and got into a fight. Animal control seized the dog, who has to be put to sleep unless the committee members are convinced otherwise. It’s their second time having to rule on this dog.

After the plaintiffs stated their case it was up to Sarah Neal and Anthony Johnson to defend their pitbull. Anthony said: “I’ve never had any problems with the dog, he’s never hurt nobody or another dog until these two neighbors moved in which was a month or two ago. If I have to I’ll move to the country, I just want my dog.” On Wednesday night Joyce Bradley, the chair of the appeals board said: “I see a volatile situation, and here again we have the same issue of poor management, oh yeah, here we have poor management of a dog I’m very worried about.”

After a bit of deliberation, the Animal Control Shelter Advisory committee decided Heat’s fate. Sarah Neal & Anthony Johnson, at this point, can only watch. Bradley announced:
“I just feel like the best thing is to euthanize this dog. I just think we’re asking for trouble.

It was not the verdict Anthony & Sarah wanted to hear.