STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-November 9, 2023-The Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) responded to a report of an aggressive dog at large in the 1300 block of Sparta Plaza just before 4pm on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Multiple reports of the dog being aggressive and trying to attack people were received by Routt County Communications (RCC) before officers arrived. RCC also received a call from a professional dog trainer, on behalf of the owner, requesting assistance getting the dog back inside the condo.
A Community Service Officer was first to respond and quickly discovered the canine’s aggression required more assistance. Three SSPD officers and one Routt County Sheriff’s Office (RSCO) deputy responded with additional units arriving shortly after. The dog owner and officers were not able to safely catch or secure the dog.
During this time, the dog was acting aggressive toward officers and charging at them while they tried to contain it in a fenced area at the condo complex. A catch pole was utilized but could not successfully secure the animal. The dog would charge with its teeth bared each time it was approached.
Due to the extreme aggression showed in this incident, compounded by prior incidents, a reverse 911 notification was sent to the area before children began to leave for school the next morning. Animal Control set a trap in hopes of apprehending the dog, but that was unsuccessful when checked on the morning of November 8.
At 7:51 am on November 8, SSPD located the dog in the parking lot of the 1300 block of Sparta Plaza. Efforts by officers, and the dog owner, to contain the animal proved ineffective. Due to the proximity of bystanders and the extreme public safety concern this aggressive dog posed; SSPD safely ended the public risk and humanely euthanized the dog with a lethal round.
Law enforcement’s prior involvement with this dog consisted of multiple complaints including bites, aggressive animal, and dog at large. Two citations were previously issued for this dog due to unprovoked attacks on both human and animal, and its known propensity to attack without provocation.
At the time of this week’s incidents, the dog was already on a 10-day rabies observation quarantine. Since this incident, additional reports involving this dog’s aggressive behavior have been reported and are being investigated.
SSPD is committed to the safety of the community. In the end, SSPD placed this responsibility above the welfare of the dog and were able to resolve this situation without further injury to a member of the public. A video clip of the dog’s behavior during the incident has been released.
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Contact
Mark Beckett, Police Chief, 970.879.4344 or email
Rich Brown, Police Commander, 970.879.4344 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email