HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0642.019 2020-2022 Comm,
From: Sylvia Dolena
Sent: Monday, March 07, 2022 10:26 AM
To: Council Testimony; David, Maile; Kanealii-Kleinfelder, Matt; Chung, Aaron; Richards, Tim;
Kierkiewicz, Ashley;Villegas, Rebecca; Kimball, Heather, Inaba, Holeka; Lee Loy, Sue
Subject: SUPPORT BILL 125 - VICIOUS DOG ATTACKS
Aloha Council Members,
After Dolores Oskins died of her dog attack injuries, her family reached out for help. Darlene Maka antl
responded by creating a Facebook page to allow victims of dog attacks to report their incidents.
These are the main points from the data from over 100 incident reports, mostly within the last 10 mchs:
* Many of the victim's experiences are horrific and have traumatized the victims and their fanAes J�5"rs
after the attack. Those who have been attacked within the past 10 months are still trying to reco .
• Women and children are the most vulnerable to dog attacks.
• When pets are mauled to death, even though this pet is considered a beloved family member, there is little
concern or compassion because it is only an animal.
• Most dog bites and dog attacks go unreported due to the residents either fearing retaliation from the dog-
owner neighbors or the feeling that nothing will be done by law enforcement.
• Repeat-offender dog-owners taunt their neighbors, knowing there is little that is ever done to hold them
accountable. Sometimes the dog-owners threaten their neighbors—DEATH THREATS
• There is a gross misunderstanding of the animal laws by the residents and by some of the police
officers/animal control responding to the calls.
• Many times, there is no retribution for dog attacks on farm animals because the case does not get to
court. Residents are told that this is a CIVIL matter.
• Residents are fearful of going out for walks in their own neighborhoods due to loose dogs and feel like
prisoners in their own homes.
• Many of the attacking dogs are guard dogs or hunting dogs.
Regards,
Sylvia Dolena
Aloha Animal Advocates
CO n,.
p�p a F m U 2022
1