Charles County Board Designates Dog Dangerous After Fatal Attack On Shih Tzu

WHITE PLAINS, Md. — A Charles County dog has been designated dangerous after attacking a smaller dog in a White Plains neighborhood, resulting in injuries that later led to the dog being euthanized.

The Charles County Animal Matters Hearing Board considered Citation 7622, Animal Control v. Alfred A. Harley, during its Tuesday, Aug. 4 meeting.

Animal Control Officer Maggie Hayes testified that the incident happened at about 5:30 p.m. June 15 in White Plains. Owen Moore was walking Serenity, his adult female Shih Tzu, when Lexi, an adult female black-and-white husky-type dog, approached while loose and attacked Serenity.

Moore told the board that he was walking Serenity on a leash when the attack happened. He said the incident unfolded quickly and that Serenity suffered severe injuries before being taken to Waldorf Emergency Care for treatment.

The family later learned while traveling that Serenity had collapsed. Moore testified that they ultimately made the decision to have her euthanized because of the extent of her injuries.

Hayes testified that Animal Control was notified June 18 that Serenity had been humanely euthanized because of the injuries. She later issued Harley Citation 7622 involving an individual county license, an animal-at-large allegation, failure to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination and a dangerous or vicious animal violation.

Owners Describe How Lexi Escaped

During testimony, Harley told the board Lexi escaped from the home while he was returning from grocery shopping.

He said the dog was near the door and ran between his legs when he opened it. Harley said members of the family immediately began searching for Lexi, with some searching on foot while he used his vehicle because he was unable to continue running.

Harley testified that he warned several people who were walking dogs in the neighborhood that Lexi was loose. He said he also warned Moore and asked him to pick up his smaller dog if Lexi approached.

A board member later told Harley that Moore had no duty to pick up his dog.

Harley also acknowledged that the family had previously stopped taking Lexi to the dog park because the dog would chase smaller dogs, although family members said Lexi had never previously bitten or attacked another dog.

After the incident, the family obtained an updated rabies vaccination, a Charles County animal license and a microchip for Lexi, according to testimony presented to the board. Records entered during the hearing showed the rabies vaccination and county license were issued June 25.

Veterinary Bill Remains A Private Matter

Moore told the board that his family sent the veterinary bill to the Harleys by certified mail but had not received payment arrangements or other communication about resolving the expense.

Harley testified that he had previously told Moore he was willing to pay the veterinary bill but said he had not received it at his home. A member of Harley’s family also apologized during the hearing and said the family was willing to pay for the incident.
The board explained that it could not order repayment of the veterinary expenses through the Animal Matters Hearing Board proceeding and encouraged the two sides to resolve the matter privately.

Board Imposes Dangerous Animal Requirements

The board found Harley in violation of the individual county license requirement and the requirement to provide proof of a current rabies vaccination, with no fines assessed for those violations.

The board also found a violation of the county’s dangerous or vicious animal provision and imposed a $500 fine, with the full amount held in abeyance for 12 months.

The board initially considered an animal-at-large violation but removed it after members determined the owners were actively pursuing Lexi when the incident occurred. Harley was ultimately found not in violation of the animal-at-large provision.

Under the ruling, Harley must comply with the county’s required abatements for a dangerous animal. During the hearing, the board specifically discussed requirements including having Lexi microchipped and spayed or neutered, posting a dangerous or vicious animal sign at the residence and using a muzzle when the dog is outside for walks.

Animal Control will conduct follow-up compliance checks. The board warned that failure to follow the required abatements could result in the dog being removed.

If Harley does not return before the board for another violation during the 12-month abeyance period, the $500 fine will no longer be owed, according to the board’s ruling.

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