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Rottweiler attacks trainer

Feb 27, 2008 | Diane Wetzel | North Platte Telegraph

On Feb. 6, the North Platte Animal Control Commission ruled that Molly, a two-year old Rottweiler is a potentially dangerous dog after the animal attacked obedience trainer Rena Blackwell. The dog's owner, Gail Setliff, is appealing the ruling. The North Platte City Council will hear evidence and testimony during a special council meeting on Thursday, Feb. 28.

According to a police report taken in the emergency room of Great Plains Regional Medical Center on Jan. 22, Rena Blackwell was bitten on the face, requiring 70 stitches.

A statement to police from Alan Blackwell, Rena Blackwell's husband, Setliff had handed Rena the dog's leash while she searched for Molly's treats. When Rena reached to pet Molly the dog jumped up and bit her on the face.

Rena Blackwell told the Animal Control Commission that Setliff had brought Molly to her dog training facility to help the dog become more "socially acceptable." Blackwell told the commission that Molly attacked without any warning and went directly for her face.

"A stressed dog will generally bite the hand," Blackwell told the commission. "Going directly for the face is a sign of an aggressive dog."

Setliff's attorney, Russ Jones, filed the appeal, saying the commission made no specific finding as to whether the dog was provoked by Blackwell, and is appealing based on the belief that the dog was provoked.

If the council upholds the commission's ruling, Setliff would be required to register Molly as a potentially dangerous dog. Registration includes a $250 fee, a description of the animal, a tattoo or microchip identification, evidence of a proper enclosure to confine the dog, and a sign conspicuously posted to warn of its presence, along with a current rabies tag and proof of spaying or neutering.

Setliff agreed to comply with the terms for having a potentially dangerous dog until the hearing. She told the commission that she scheduled obedience training for Molly because she wanted her to be socially acceptable.  Molly plays with her grandchildren and has never acted aggressively toward them, Setliff said.

"A person who approaches a dog of unknown behavior should expect to be able to safely offer a hand to let the dog scent," said Shar Henry, of  Fly'N Paws Agility & Dog Training, Centennial, Colo. "A person, whether a professional handler or a citizen should be able to safely pet or kneel down to the dog's level without fear of being attacked."

Henry's opinion is seconded by Canine Behavioral Psychologist Gail Clark of K9shrink, Ft. Collins, Colo. Clark has trained more than 19,000 dogs, and specializes in fearful and aggressive dogs.

"This dog did not bite Rena's face by accident," Clark said. "It intended to bite her face, and any dog that targets the face, particularly with the force this dog inflicted, is without a doubt a dangerous dog."

Under North Platte city code, a dog may be classified as potentially danger or dangerous. A potentially dangerous dog bites, chases or approaches in a menacing way. A dangerous dog inflicts severe injury without provocation. "Severe injury" is defined as broken bones or disfiguring lacerations requiring multiple sutures or cosmetic surgery.

Medical records report that Molly bit Blackwell's lower lip in half, tearing it from the mandible (jaw) requiring a six-layer closure to sew up the through-and-through laceration.

The hearing will take place on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. in council chambers at North Platte City Hall, 211 West Third Street.