Spotsylvania residents can soon consult an Internet list of dangerous dogs before they head out for a neighborhood stroll, officials said yesterday.
The list will be on the county's Web site, under the Animal Control section. It'll include the dog's description and breed, and owner's name and address, said Spotsylvania Animal Control Director William Tydings.
Tydings said he's putting together a list that will be sent to the county's Information Services Department to be posted online as soon as possible.
It will include dogs that have been declared dangerous and are still living in the county. About 13 currently qualify.
The policy comes less than a week after 82-year-old Partlow resident Dorothy Sullivan and her small Shih Tzu were fatally mauled on her property by three roaming pit bulls. All three pit bulls were later killed by Spotsylvania officials.
Spotsylvania Commonwealth's Attorney William Neely will seek an involuntary manslaughter charge against Deanna H. Large, a 36-year-old Partlow resident. Involuntary manslaughter is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Large admitted owning one of the dogs, but Neely said the ensuing investigation revealed she owned all three unneutered males and had been warned to keep them under better control.
Neely and Sheriff Howard Smith released a statement yesterday outlining the planned charges against Large, but Smith did not hold a press conference that had been discussed over the weekend.
In addition to the felony charge, Neely said he will seek three misdemeanor counts of allowing a dangerous dog to run at large--an offense that carries a maximum punishment of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
Authorities searched Large's home and other nearby buildings and seized numerous items, according to a search warrant filed yesterday in Spotsylvania Circuit Court. No affidavit was filed with the warrant.
Also searched was the home of John Irving, who lives on the same property at 166 Cypress Court in Oak Crest subdivision.
Sources said Irving is Large's father.
Authorities say Irving tried to register one of the pit bulls involved in the Sullivan attack shortly after it occurred--failure to obtain a license violates state law and is a Class 4 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $250. Irving is not facing any charges, authorities said.
Among items seized from the property were dog records, pictures, leashes and choke collars, and numerous smoking devices.
Child Protective Services officials also were summoned to Large's home after dog feces was found. At least one child was removed from the home, sources said.
The fatal mauling prompted Rappahannock Humane Society President Thea Verdak to call Neely to suggest the idea of a registry for dangerous dogs. Neely and county officials liked the idea.
Verdak said it's important to alert residents about dangerous dogs living in their neighborhoods. The Virginia State Police keeps a database of convicted sex offenders' addresses. She envisioned something similar for dangerous dogs and their owners.
Verdak also thinks judges need to be tougher on owners of dangerous dogs. She said she was attacked by a pit bull in her Waverly Village subdivision, and the judge let the dog's owner off.
Virginia law does place requirements on owners of dangerous dogs--who can be declared such by a judge if they bite, attack or injure a person or companion animal. Dogs that kill or seriously injure a person can be declared vicious and put down.
Tydings said he can declare a dog dangerous without a judge's ruling, but an owner has the right to appeal his decision in court.
An owner of a dog declared dangerous has to register it annually with an animal control officer, who provides the owner with a special tag for the dog to wear at all times.
The certificates aren't issued unless the owner is at least 18, there's evidence the dog is rabies-free and the owner has a proper enclosure. Owners must post visible signs on their residence saying they have a dangerous dog. Owners must muzzle dangerous dogs when they leave their property.
Owners violating these rules can be punished by up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine. Finally, if a dangerous dog bites or attacks again, it can be declared vicious and put down.
Tydings said the county's policy on adopting out pit bulls from the animal shelter is under review. He said officials are not allowing adoptions to private residents, but are studying the possibility of allowing rescue groups to adopt the breed.
ON THE NET: spotsylvania.va.us
To reach BILL FREEHLING: 540/374-5424 bfreehling@freelancestar.com