Carroll County commissioners have 30 days to decide whether Teddy, a 90-pound, black Labrador retriever owned by a Finksburg family, is a “vicious” animal.
Nicky Ratliff, executive director of the Humane Society of Carroll County, deemed Teddy, owned by Charles and Lori Malbrough of Mill Run Road, vicious after incidents involving the Malbroughs? neighbors, James and Sandra Russo.
During a public hearing Tuesday, the Russos said Teddy attacked Sandra Russo and one of her two dogs on three occasions, the most recent in April.
“I shouldn?t have to be afraid to walk my dogs,” Sandra Russo said.
The Malbroughs, who were represented by attorney Ann Benaroya, said Teddy is a friendly dog who wouldn?t hurt anyone.
Ratliff said a vicious animal is one that is a threat to other domestic animals, humans or both, and she believes Teddy is a threat to other animals and to people who interfere in a dog fight.
If the commissioners determine that Teddy is vicious, the Malbroughs would be required to supervise Teddy while he is outside, instead of letting him run loose behind the yard, which is surrounded by an invisible fence.
The commissioners must release a written decision within 30 days.
