County Affirms Dangerous-Dog Designation

Precious didn’t stand a chance.

According to the terrier’s owners, they were walking Precious on the playground at Garden Springs Elementary School when a German shepherd stepped out from behind a tree, sniffed their dog and picked it up and shook it. Her neck broken, Precious died on the spot.

The next day, on Feb. 18, animal control officer Sheri Kent deemed the shepherd, Sequoia, dangerous.

Sequoia’s owner, Gerald Morton, appealed that ruling in a hearing March 10 before Spokane County Commissioner John Roskelley. On Tuesday, commissioners upheld Kent’s decision, a ruling that means Morton must meet a lengthy list of requirements if he’s going to keep Sequoia.

Many owners opt to have their pets euthanized rather than comply with the costly regulations.

According to a written summary of the hearing, Kent told Roskelley that even after Sequoia was ruled dangerous, Morton allowed the dog to run free. When not in the house, the dog was supposed to be kept muzzled and on a leash until commissioners made their decision.

Morton, who lives at 5020 W. Garden Springs, told Roskelley he misunderstood the regulations.

Roskelley ruled that Morton violated several laws by keeping a dog with “vicious propensities,” and allowing it to run free and attack a domestic animal.

To keep Sequoia, Morton must install elaborate fencing and warning signs, buy a $75 annual license and get a $50,000 bond and liability insurance.

Although Morton is adequately insured, “the insurance company indicated they will cancel the policy when it comes up for renewal in November 1997,” Roskelley wrote in the summary.

Companies often are reluctant to insure dogs declared dangerous.

, DataTimes