Darren Smith
In 1997, I was working for UPS and was attacked by a rotweiller while
delivering Christmas cheer. I called animal control of Multnomah county. I
wanted to find out if the dog would be put down or not if I filed a
complaint. Being a dog owner, I didnt want this. They informed me that the
dog would not be harmed but it would be classed as "dangerous" and it would
be the responsibility of the owner to fence their yard and also put up a
second door at the front of the house. However, if the dog did it again to
anyone, then the dog would be destroyed(two strikes and out). I then filed
a complaint with them. The major insult to me was the owner APPEALed my
complaint, stating their dog was like a puppy, played with the neighborhood
kids etc. I had half the crotch taken out of my jeans and a scar that still
is present today and they had to nerve to say their dog wasnt dangerous. I
later found out that other UPS drivers had been chased by this animal but
they did not file any complaints since the animal didnt bite them. Longer
story shorter, I decided that the owners were going to pay for my time (two
appeal hearings rescheduled after I had moved to Central Oregon), clothing,
and for being ignorant of their animals potential. Further, the owner wrote
my lawyer a letter stating that his wife was very depressed because of this
incident and the lawsuit caused her to seek therapy and that I should
rethink my complaint, basically telling me that his wife was in therapy
because of me. To this day, I still get a little nervous around large dogs,
especially while on my bike (I didnt seek therapy however). Not sure what
my point is, just thought I would tell about my experience with Animal
control. Hope it helps,
Darren
Darren A. Smith, DC, CCSP
Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician
14125 SW Walker Road
Beaverton, OR 97006
(503)641-3333 office
(503)351-9653 cell
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