09:14Animal Control Officer Craig presented a detailed account of the incidents involving Fatboy, which began on July 17, 2023. The Rottweiler and another dog, Leica, were found loose in a neighbor’s fenced yard, exhibiting aggressive behavior. This pattern continued over several months, culminating in a biting incident on September 24, 2023, when Fatboy attacked Ms. Hines, a resident who sustained minor injuries. Despite various containment efforts, including an electric fence, Fatboy continued to escape, leading to multiple reports of property damage and aggressive behavior toward neighbors and officers.

20:14During the hearing, the dog’s owner, Fernando Railen, acknowledged the challenges of controlling Fatboy, emphasizing his mother’s difficulty in managing the large dog. He proposed relocating the dog to a new property on Lehey Road, which he claimed would offer a more secure environment with a large yard and an electric fence being installed. However, this proposal faced scrutiny from city representatives. Officer Crash highlighted the importance of notifying new jurisdictions about the dog’s dangerous status, as required by state law. The history of Fatboy’s escapes, particularly after the installation of a wooden fence that was later damaged, was discussed to emphasize the need for effective containment measures.

35:16Photographs of the current fencing situation were presented, showing a wrought iron fence in the front yard and a six-foot vinyl fence enclosing the backyard. Concerns were raised about the wrought iron fence’s openings and the fact that it did not connect with the vinyl fence, potentially allowing for escapes. The ruling mandated the relocation of Fatboy to the Lehey Road address, with the condition that an electric fence must be installed around the entire backyard by a specific date. The owner was required to provide photographic evidence of Fatboy’s relocation and ensure that the dog would not return to the original residence.

The city also informed Jacksonville about the relocation, emphasizing the importance of compliance with state law regarding dangerous dogs. The owner was reminded to keep gates closed and restrain Fatboy when gates needed to be opened. Additionally, the magistrate discussed the possibility of restricting Fatboy from dog parks, although this decision was deferred for further consideration.

The magistrate waived a $50 registration fee due to the costs associated with installing the electric fence. The discussions concluded with arrangements for necessary documentation and expressions of gratitude among participants, highlighting the collaborative effort to address the issue.