The Washington City Council voted to reverse a decision to have a dog deemed vicious be either destroyed or removed from city limits. According to documents the dog named Oreo bit the arm of a woman visiting the family as she washed dishes. She sustained two deep lacerations that required nine stitches and was described by Washington City Administrator Brent Hinson as “one of the most severe I have seen on a human in my decade-plus of reviewing dog bite cases.” It is also noted in the report that the family was aware of certain “triggers” with the dog such as acting aggressively when it could not see people’s faces.

Police Chief Jim Lester ordered the dog be seized and impounded and was put under a 10-day quarantine for evaluation. Dr. Wendy Miller indicated the dog did not show aggression towards her, the staff, or any dogs at the facility. On October 13th it was formally ordered that the dog be destroyed or removed. The owner, Zach Cotterman, requested a hearing on the matter. A hearing was held October 27th with the owners and city officials. The decision to destroy or remove the dog was upheld at the hearing.

At Tuesday’s meeting, Mayor Jaron Rosien explained the role of the council on the issue following staff’s diligent and thorough work per the letter of the law, “Council, I think obviously I mentioned this is a tough one. Some things are very black and white, and others have gray. I believe that Chief Lester and our administrator worked very hard to make a black and white decision in this case, however the code reads that it comes to council for appeal to affirm or reverse.”

Cotterman asked the council for reconsideration on the issue. He explained the dog had been abused by a previous owner, “I do not believe that Oreo is a vicious dog. I mean that’s like, I’m going to give an analogy, that’s like if you had a child and your child acted up and messed up bad, oh we’re automatically going to put him or her in foster care, lock him or her in juvenile detention. And I don’t think it’s fair that with one mistake, just like with a human, humans get chances, I don’t see why this dog is not getting a chance, as well.”

Council member Fran Stigers made a motion to affirm the decision but there was no second.

Council member Steve Gault said training classes are needed for Oreo and he made a motion to reverse the decision. The motion to reverse the decision passed 4-1 with Stigers as the lone nay vote.

Cotterman said the dog will go through training.