"Dog at large" incident could escalate to larger problem

A weekly review of incident reports on file at the Odessa Town Marshal’s office has raised a potential safety concern for residents.

An individual has reported aggressive behavior demonstrated by a dog at large, apparently a pit bull or pit bull mix. The person filing the complaint indicated that the reported incident was actually the third time he/she had been menaced by the dog, but that a complaint had not been previously filed, as the person did not want to cause problems for neighbors.

The dog in question is reported to frequently be accompanied by two other dogs, another pit bull and a rottweiler mix, who have also recently begun showing aggressive behavior.

According to the report on file, the dogs have also behaved in a menacing manner to one of the town’s police officers, Deputy Marshal Bryce Peterson.

A notice of infraction has been filed, which will result in a fine of $100 for the incident. A second incident could cost dog owners $150, and a third (and all subsequent) infractions $200.

When asked at what point the town could take more assertive action, Town Marshal Mike Wren replied that once a dog has bitten another animal or person, the animal is designated as a “potentially dangerous dog,” and a letter is sent to the owner instructing them to take specific actions to protect the general population.

Other incidents on file for the past week were unlawful burning, a civil dispute and a report of blood spatter found in the parking lot at Bank of America.