Animal Control: Vicious dogs a problem in Topeka
Woman attacked by two dogs today
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2007
A dog charges a pen as Animal Control Officer Lisa Pinkley approaches. She been dealing with vicious dogs for the past 20 years. But she is always on guard when dealing with potentially dangerous dogs.
She has been attacked by two pit bulls.
On a recent day in Topeka, she noticed problems on an investigation of a pit bull. Even though the dog was safely secured, there were still problems.
"There was an abundant amount of feces in the dog pen. That's considered a health hazard," Pinkley said.
Laura Holthusen was attacked by two dogs this morning as she dropped her kids off from school.
Animal Control stats
Animal Control had more than 2,000 calls in the first quarter of the year. They've brought in more than 600 animals to the humane society, but they've only given 25 vicious dog tickets through the month of March. That's because a complaint has to be filed or the officer has to witness the dog acting aggressively in order to write the ticket.
"The first was a mastiff. And he knocked me to the ground, and I was trying to crawl to my truck," she says.
"All I could do was protect my neck and face," Holthusen said.
She managed to get away with just a few scratches but is angry and frustrated about the number of dangerous dogs in her neighborhood.
"Make sure they put the viscous dogs away from children and people like me," she says.
The dogs that attacked Holthusen were loose at the time, something Pinkley disdains.
"Owners should have control of their dogs at all times -- now where they are," Pinkley said.
Fees for violations
Fees for having a vicious can really add up. Tickets can go from $250 to nearly $500. Court costs start at $66. A dog-at-large charge could add another $30. And, transportation and handling charge is $30. Impoundment fees are $9 a day.
Learn when Animal Control officers are on duty and where to go if you have a animal-related complaint on the City of Topeka’s Web site.
One dog she found was actually pretty friendly, but had gotten out of her yard. That is against city ordinance.
"They can't run around period. That's considered a dog at large," Pinkley said.
Butch Graham works next door and says the dog has been neglected for several months. He has been feeding her.
"It's ridiculous. That the dog has to suffer. It breaks your heart," he said.
He plans to give that lucky dog a new home. When asked if he planned on adopting him, "Oh definitely," Graham replied.
He doesn't think the owner will pony up the fees in order to bring the dog home. The owner could face at least $165 in charges and fines.
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