By: Valerie Wigglesworth W/Dallas News
The dog that chased a duck got her day in court Monday, and her owner got mauled.
Chris Dunne’s Siberian husky, Sasha, was deemed a dangerous dog by the city of Plano nearly nine years ago after a neighbor reported her for chasing a duck into a pond. The duck wasn’t hurt, but Sasha was branded.
Plano requires owners of dogs deemed dangerous to post warning signs at their homes. And when an animal-control officer didn’t find any signs when she went by Dunne’s house on Dec. 8, 2009, she issued a citation. The fight was on.
Dunne asked for a jury trial in Plano Municipal Court. But from the outset, it was clear Monday’s trial would be no walk in the park.
As Dunne, who didn’t have a lawyer, prepared to read his opening statement, the judge gave him a three-minute limit. Dunne argued that he’d been told he had more time. Municipal Court Judge Donald Stevenson said the clock was ticking.
Dunne tried to tell the jury that the city made an error in declaring his dog dangerous. He tried to introduce evidence that the animal-control officer issuing the citation was unreasonable. And he tried to show that he’s been doing his best to abide by the city ordinance.
Assistant City Attorney Susan Keller objected time after time, citing lack of relevance, leading questions and Dunne’s attempt to introduce testimony from the defense table.
Jurors heard more than 90 objections during the five-hour trial. In almost every case, Stevenson ruled against Dunne.
At one point, Dunne tried to show the jury how flimsy the city-issued signs were. He tore one in half and threw the pieces in the air.
“Before you say another word, pick both of those up,” Stevenson admonished. “You will not litter my courtroom.”
The jury apparently was similarly unmoved. Their verdict: Guilty and a $200 fine.
Juror Julie Harmon said the jury looked at all the issues, but in the end, there were no signs.
“We’re all animal lovers,” she said, “but you have to follow the rules and protect the people around you.”
Dunne said he went to court to try and clear Sasha’s name, though the city ordinance has no mechanism to take dangerous dogs off the list for good behavior.
Afterward, he said he expected the guilty verdict and plans to appeal.
“It is a tragedy,” he said. “I will take this as far as I need to. The dog’s honor is at stake.”
