Police in Roy are investigating whether an owner of three dogs that wreaked havoc Monday at a city park — reportedly biting two people and attempting to attack officers and horses — can be charged with any crimes.
Officers were called to Emma Russell Park, at 5700 S. 4300 West in Roy, just after 4 p.m. Monday by someone who reported three dogs were being aggressive and trying to “get at” a child at the park, according to a news release. While police were on the way to the park, dispatchers received “multiple” other calls about the dogs biting people.
Ultimately, the release said, two people received bites that warranted medical attention. The case remained “active” and under investigation as of Monday evening. The release said the owner could face misdemeanor charges for violating the city’s loose animal, dangerous dog and nuisance animal ordinances.
The department did not immediately respond to The Salt Lake Tribune’s request for more information on this case Tuesday morning.
The attacks
According to the news release, when officers arrived at the park on Monday, they spotted the dogs in a pasture on the west side of 4300 West “being aggressive and attacking horses.” Officers tried to nab the dogs with a catch pole — a sturdy pole with a retractable cable loop on the end — and were themselves attacked, according to the release.
Police eventually caught one dog with the pole.
They captured another dog after it “attempted to attack an officer” who then shot it with a bean bag round, a less-lethal projectile fired from a shotgun. The dog was injured, stopped attacking and ran to its nearby home. Officers got the third dog with its owner’s help.
All three dogs are now in Roy City Animal Control’s custody. The injured dog was taken for treatment to a veterinarian, while the two others were taken to the Weber County Animal Shelter to quarantine for 10 days.
“Our priority is the safety of the citizens of Roy City and their freedom to feel safe in public areas and parks,” the release stated. “Dog owners do have a responsibility to ensure their dogs are properly controlled at all times and licensed with Roy City Animal Control.”
