The town of Winfield continues to be dogged by complaints of animals running at large and attacking people or pets.
Winfield Town Marshal Robert Byrd at the Winfield Town Council meeting said because of the continued complaints, the town is stepping up its enforcement and fines, including putting an animal down upon a third complaint.
First-time offenders, when a complaint is filed through the town’s code enforcement, will receive a written warning, then be issued a $250 fine if a second warning is issued.
The dog could be euthanized, according to town code enforcement, if the owner is issued a third warning.
“In other words, the third strike and they are out,” Byrd said.
Byrd last month reported dangerous dog bite complaints have been on the rise in town, including one in which a bitten dog died.
Most recently, a resident who was out jogging was attacked by a German Shepherd, he said.
“The guy would have been mauled if he didn’t have pepper spray, which he used against the dog,” he said.
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Another resident who was chased by a dog had to jump into a lake to avoid being attacked.
Other reports have been of pit bulls attacking other pit bulls.
“We’re trying to get the message out that animal owners have to maintain their dogs so that residents, including children, don’t get bitten,” he said.
Complaints that will be investigated include dogs knowingly or negligently running at large; in the event of further offenses, chasing persons or vehicles, barking, howling, yelping or making noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of a neighborhood, according to the Town of Winfield Code of Ordinances, Chapter 92.
In other business, Byrd said the newly relocated Winfield Police Station, at 10688 Randolph St., across from the Government Center, maintains a Safe Exchange Zone.
Byrd said the police parking lot is equipped with a videotaping system and police phone number so officials can provide a secure setting.
Those who might use the Safe Exchange Zone would include those with child custody situations or even residents who want to meet someone with items to sell or exchange on such computer sites such as eBay.
Deborah Laverty is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.