Fort Dick dog issue settled

This is intended to update the public on the Fort Dick dog situation that began to develop at the end of 2021. Del Norte County Animal Services Department has resolved the matter. 

In mid-July, the identified dog owner, a resident of the 6400 block of Lake Earl Drive, was served with pre-seizure paperwork, which afforded him the opportunity to request a hearing by July 18. He failed to request the hearing.  

As such, the Animal Services Department moved forward with the next procedural steps.

On August 10, a warrant was requested by Animal Services and issued by the Del Norte County Superior Court to seize the two remaining dogs given the dog owner failed to comply with the terms agreed upon in the previous settlement.  Later that day, Animal Services and members of the Del Norte Sheriff’s Department appeared at the property to seize the dogs. The dogs are now in the custody of Animal Services.

According to Director Justin Riggs, field Animal Services have recently become more stable due to the addition of an Animal Control supervisor and the professionalization of the animal control officer series, largely in part to the funding provided by measure R. The new animal services supervisor was instrumental in bringing the case to a conclusion and will be critical in the success of animal services going forward. 

Commissioner Riggs greatly appreciates the patience of the public as this complicated process was executed. All the dogs have been removed from the property and the matter has been settled.

Any questions regarding the situation may be directed to Commissioner Riggs at 707-464-7235 or [email protected].