PHOTO: According to the DeKalb County Health Department, the dog involved in last week's attack will be released to the owner on Monday. The department pointed out that with no effective leash law on the books, the department has no choice but to release it. (State of Alabama, Gary Haymon)
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — According to a representative of the DeKalb County Health Department, the dog that attacked a Rainsville resident last week will be released back to it's owner as soon as Monday (May 8). The department said that due to the lack of a leash law, their only option is to release the animal after 10 days if no rabies or other diseases are detected.
"We don't have a choice but to release it from the vet back to the owner, unless it tests positive for rabies, because we don't have a leash law," said the representative from the DeKalb County Health Department.
While the City of Rainsville has a leash law on the books, the law only provides for a citation, since it is from the municipal level. The police department, city, or the health department, does not seem to have the authority to order a dog to be euthanized or confiscated.
Since the story broke earlier this week, another resident has reported being attacked by this particular dog in the past, though not confirmed. Lisa Allen wrote to the Southern Torch, "I have no doubt this is the same dog that attacked me in December 2016. My injuries were not as severe as Mr. Haymon sustained. I sustained a bite to the back calf of my right leg, torn pants and damaged boots. This dog needs to be put down. This is a very dangerous dog."
While the dog will be released, the Health Department did point out that the owner can choose to get rid of the dog. While the owner has been issued a citation from the City of Rainsville, the victim, Gary Haymon, asked us to not reveal the identity of the owner. We would like to continue to respect his wishes.
For the original story posted earlier this week, click here.
It is so sad that the city of Rainsville has an ordinance on its books that states if your dog hurts another animal, you can be held liable to pay for the vet bill. NOTHING is on there about a Person? I have had several problems with dogs in Rainsville from tearing up my garden, to waking me up at 2 am in the morning. Also had one charge my Great Granddaughter (only 3 years old). Still the city of Rainsville does nothing.
You can say for sure Rainsville is a city of its who you know not what you know!