Published: November 03, 2009 10:36 pm      

City promises action on stray dog attacks

With tears in her eyes, Corsicana resident Mary White told the city council Tuesday about her 13-year-old Chihuahua, Butch, who was killed by two loose dogs in her yard in mid-October.

“I want the loss of what I suffered on Saturday, Oct. 17 to become real to everyone in this room,” she said. “I don’t want this to be ‘just somebody else’s dog got killed.’”

White said she followed the rules by registering her dog, keeping him within her yard, and taking good care of him. When her six children grew up and moved away, Butch became part of her family, her baby.

“He was great with the grandkids, he never bit anyone and never harmed anything,” she said.

He was mauled — and died — in her backyard by two dogs that still roam free, she said.

Among her requests to the city council were that animal control officers enforce the loose dog rules, and that they have the ability to tranquilize or capture vicious animals when they see them.

The Thursday before her dog died, animal control had been told about those same loose dogs and left a note on the owner’s door, White said.

“Animal control had received a call and a complaint about loose dogs from that house on Thursday, Oct. 15. Animal control picked up three dogs because of that call, and was not able to capture two others because those two were showing aggression towards the animal control officer.”

She added that if the dogs had been dealt with that day her dog might still be alive.

“Local law enforcement and animal control have got to be exactly that, law enforcement and animal control,” she said.

The owner violated the law by having too many dogs in his yard, and by letting them run loose, White said.

“Our local ordinances need to be followed and enforced,” she said.

Standing up in support of White was Margaret Ward, whose pet Chihuahua was also killed by two loose pit bulldogs last spring. Her dog’s attackers were captured and euthanized by animal control.

“I fought this battle for a year,” she said. “Are we going to wait until this city buries a child?”

Ward said she was tempted to get a gun to protect the two small dogs she still owns.

“We’re asking for help,” she said. “I want these people to be accountable.”

The city can enforce the rules, and will capture vicious animals, both women were assured by both city council members and staff.

“They will be accountable,” said Terry Jacobson, city attorney.

The real problem isn’t ticketing the owners, said Tom Wilson, precinct 1 councilman. “The immediate problem is getting these dogs off the street,” he said.

“If they’re attacking and killing, definitely they need to be off the streets,” agreed Ruby Williams, mayor pro tempore. Williams conducted the meeting Tuesday, filling the seat during the mayor’s absence.

In other business, the council heard from Vernon Jessie, who lives on South First Street. His street needs repairs, he told the council. He’s lived on the street for 44 years, he said.

In the last dozen or so years the street has sunk, leaving deep potholes and depressions in front of each house and in the alley that gather water and make driving and walking difficult.

“And when it stops raining, the mosquitoes almost eat you up,” he said.

Williams, who represents precinct 2, where Jessie lives, said she had reported the problem also.

“The situation is deplorable,” Williams said.

The city would look at the issue, City Manager Connie Standridge said.

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