Dog Declared ‘Dangerous’

The freewheeling days may be over for a chow named Mowgli.

The Veradale dog, which was accused of biting a boy, snapping at animal control officers and regularly running loose, was declared “dangerous” Tuesday by Spokane County commissioners.

The designation means owner Lisa Magney, 15321 E. Fourth, must meet a long list of requirements if she wants to keep Mowgli. Many owners have their dogs euthanized rather than pay the expense.

According to Commissioner John Roskelley’s notes from an April 14 hearing, Mowgli bit a visiting boy badly enough to require stitches in 1996. That earned the dog the title of “potentially dangerous,” meaning he was on probation.

Since then, neighbors have complained repeatedly that the dog runs loose. According to Roskelley’s notes, the dog snarled and snapped one day as three animal control officers struggled to load it into a truck.

On March 28, a neighbor complained that Mowgli was loose again and had snapped at a girl who was riding a bicycle in the street. That incident led to Magney’s third misdemeanor citation for allowing the dog to run free.

On Roskelley’s recommendation, Commissioners Phil Harris and Kate McCaslin agreed to the “dangerous” designation.

To keep Mowgli, Magney must erect elaborate fencing and warning signs, buy a $75 annual license, and get a $50,000 bond and liability insurance.

Insurance companies often are reluctant to issue policies if they know a dog is declared dangerous.

, DataTimes