Potter says dog threatens public safety

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Pictured above is the pit bull that prosecutors claim is a public nuisance.

The fate of a pit bull and its owner remain in the balance as authorities are considering putting down the dog following three incidents – including the attack of a young girl at the Jungle Jym.

The dog’s owner, Jeffery B. Green, 24, faces several charges as the result of his dog’s alleged conduct including that of reckless endangerment, vandalism and allowing a dog to roam at large. The dog remains quarantined at a local veterinarian’s office awaiting a court ruling. District Attorney General Dale Potter said he intends to file paper work today, asking that the dog be put to sleep for public safety.

The attempt to kill the dog comes after the animal allegedly bit a 13-year-old girl at the Jungle Jym Saturday. The girl was not critically injured but did require medical attention. The incident reportedly happened after the dog’s owner allowed the canine to roam off a leash inside the fenced playground. Animals are not allowed in the Jungle Jym area and the city has a leash law.

According to Potter, city investigators want to talk to any witnesses who may have heard Green make comments about the dog potentially biting before the incident occurred.

The Jungle Jym incident came three weeks after the pit bull was almost shot by a police officer. According to McMinnville patrolman Mike Vann, he was conducting an unrelated investigation on Havron Street when the dog charged, prompting him to take refuge on a porch and pull his gun.

“The dog was bearing its teeth and began growling and barking,” Vann said. “I drew my weapon and aimed it at the dog to protect myself.”

The incident, which occurred before the Cookeville dog shooting incident involving a North Carolina family, ended differently as Vann held his fire despite being under attack. Moments later Green reportedly called to the dog, prompting the animal to retreat. However, Vann said Green developed an “attitude problem” when he was told to put the dog away. Green lives in the Havron Street area.

One week prior to the Havron Street incident, the dog allegedly caused damage at Best Value Inn. In that case, Green allegedly snuck the dog into the room where he was staying. During the stay, the dog allegedly chewed up the carpet in the room.

Potter said the dog’s history of menacing and aggressive behavior, along with the owner’s alleged inability or unwillingness to control the dog, will be the groundwork for asking the court to have the animal destroyed. The charges against Green are all misdemeanors; however, he could face jail time if convicted. There is also the possibility of lawsuits from both the motel and the girl who was bitten.