Dear Menlo Park Council members,
I am writing to let you know of an impending causality in our neighborhood. My dog Sparky recently was mauled on Central Ave (the Willows) by a large animal, currently being called Cleo. Sparky has since succumbed to his injuries.This was the third attack by Cleo of which I am aware. Cleo has previously gotten loose and killed a cat, and bitten a dog from under the fence. The “hearing officer” for the incident stated in his outcome “this dog is dangerous according to muni code xxxx). But I am downgrading it due to mitigating circumstances”
I believe his failure to act in order to prevent further casualties leaves the neighborhood vulnerable. Thus far Cleo has attacked small pets in the neighborhood but that does not guarantee small humans would be spared.
The fact that the hearing officer admits to the animal being dangerous legally speaking, but refuses to protect the neighborhood from future attacks is appalling. My dog Sparky was the third casualty. Animal control has repeatedly failed to act in the case of this particular animal and I’m not sure if this is a systemic issue with our animal control or there is something special about this animal/owner.
Additionally city records indicate that the owner does not live in the house with the dog (he did not claim exemptions in the past) . The dog lives with tenants who are likely unaware of how dangerous the dog is and are at times charged to care for and walk Cleo. This puts everyone in additional jeopardy. The tenants continually leave the back door open and Cleo keeps escaping.
Based upon the above facts and the nature of the attack I witnessed, I believe that the decision taken is irresponsible and increases the probability of another incident. At the minimum a temperamental evaluation of the animal that has attacked 3 pets within the past 2 years would have been justified.
There are further details to this case that I would be happy to share with you over zoom/in person should you be interested. Additionally a copy of the hearing is available with the county and can be obtained emailing Lori at : lmorton-feazell@smcgov.org . I am happy to share the outcome with you and the documentation I submitted.
We deserve to live on safe streets and need to take common-sense steps to prevent any further causality. I really appreciate your attention and cooperation in this matter and am happy to provide you with any further information in this regard.
Regards.
Preeti.
