Followup: Citations planned in West Seattle dog-bite case

Two weeks after the incident reported here in which a loose dog bit a man and dog in the North Delridge area, we have some followup information.

First, the bitten dog’s owner, Chandra, says her dog Katie (photo at right is from before the attack) has required more surgery for problems including nerve damage to her face. Chandra’s dad has recovered, although hand-swelling persisted. He and Katie were out for a walk when they spotted the loose dog, Chandra said, and while he tried to get home to avoid it, the dog followed them up the stairs to Katie’s house.

The dog’s owner wasn’t known when we published our first story, but has since been located; Chandra says the owner turned out to live fairly close by. So now, the question is, what happens to the owner and the dog? We’ve continued talking with Seattle Animal Shelter‘s Ann Graves. She says the owner will be cited for the bites – a $269 fine – and for a leash-law violation, a $54 fine.

The dog was quarantined for 10 days at SAS but is no longer at the shelter, Graves told WSB. She does not know its current whereabouts, but stresses that the investigation is continuing, and any other potential sanctions or decisions would depend on factors such as any history involving the dog, the incident’s circumstances, and the owner’s wishes.

14 Replies to "Followup: Citations planned in West Seattle dog-bite case"

  • West August 9, 2013 (4:48 pm)

    Little more then $300 dollars that’s all?!?!
    Hope Chandra gets in touch with an attorney and recovers medical and legal expenses as well as pain and suffering damages… I’m no attorney but seems like a pretty clean cut case against the owner of the dog.

  • AG August 9, 2013 (4:55 pm)

    I’d be curious to know whether the owner has taken any responsibility or apologized, at minimum. An attorney is unnecessary if the owner is willing to handle the damage caused by their dog. Sad story, regardless.

  • Ray West August 9, 2013 (5:05 pm)

    You’re kidding. The owner doesn’t have to pay for the victims’ medical and vet bills? If the victim has to get an attorney, then the owner should have to reimburse him for legal expenses.

  • themightyrabbit August 9, 2013 (5:27 pm)

    yup +1 get a good attorney to recover.

  • M. August 9, 2013 (5:27 pm)

    I hope the irresponsible owner of the dog that attacked does the right thing and makes good on the costs related to all the injuries, without involving the courts.

  • jacro August 9, 2013 (6:23 pm)

    Oh, that’s so frustrating! Go after them/him/her!

    I’m a dog owner, but I’ve also noticed when I’m walking around with my very friendly-won’t-bite-anyone dog, there are others that are aggressive and owners can barely contain them. I always wonder what’s the point of having a “pet” that is so aggressive it cannot be “pet.”

  • pupsarebest August 9, 2013 (7:56 pm)

    Owning a dog is a privilege and a responsibility.
    If this scenario befell me, I’d pursue legal remedies, if need be, to recoup my finacial losses.
    No amount of money can ever repair the pain and emotional damage wrought by this irresponsible pet owner—at the very least, the money aspect of the horrible situation should be made right.
    As a dog owner and lover, I believe the right thing to do is for the erring party to offer restitution for all debts incurred as a result of their irresponsible behavior.

  • Fed up August 9, 2013 (8:15 pm)

    The dog and owner took off after I was bitten at a park. Medics and police arrived and I was left to cover medical bills. I’m glad wsb published y o u r story.

  • Pauline Aldrich August 9, 2013 (8:53 pm)

    the owner is cited for 2 infractions the city gets, what about the man and the dog? I hope they at least get their medical bills paid by the owner of the dog.

  • Chandra August 9, 2013 (11:01 pm)

    I am an attorney.

    I haven’t heard anything from the owner yet, but I also haven’t pursued it. We are still incurring costs, so I will give it some time. My hope is that the person will offer to assist with at least some of the costs without any legal action.

    I am concerned now with where this dog was placed. Animal control said they would notify me, but did not. My father developed an infection that’s being treated still. Katie is doing much better.

    Thank you again to everyone who has supported is through this.

  • carolei August 10, 2013 (12:24 am)

    I too am concerned about the dog’s whereabouts. I live on the block where the attack took place and I am very concerned about running into this dog while walking my dog. I believe the neighbors have a right to know if this dog is back in the neighborhood.

  • Bonham August 10, 2013 (12:47 am)

    The only dog that can’t bite is a dog that doesn’t have a mouth!

  • West August 10, 2013 (9:28 pm)

    The only problem is the owner of this dog has to have assets worth going after for a lawsuit to make any sense….

    Chandra-
    If this be the case, open a account somewhere for donations and post back here…..I got $100 on it, I’ll bet with the good west seattlites around here we could come up with the medical bills….

  • tonya August 13, 2013 (4:40 pm)

    it is true, the only dog that can’t bite does not have a mouth!

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