Owner of "Potentially Dangerous" Dog to Appeal Ruling

By Sophia Brink

Published on February 28, 2008

The dog, a two-year old Rottweiler named Molly, allegedly bit trainer Rena Blackwell on the face without provocation. The bite tore Rena’s lower lip in half, separating it from the jaw. The injury required 70 stitches.

According to Alan Blackwell, Rena Blackwell’s husband, Molly’s owner, Gail Setliff, had given Rena the dog’s leash to hold so that she could search for her treats. The incident occurred after Rena reached to pet Molly.

If the animal control commission’s ruling is allowed to stand, Setliff will have to register Molly as a potentially dangerous dog. This would require Setliff to pay a $250 fee, file a description of the dog, post a sign to warn others of the animal’s presence, and produce proof that the animal has been spayed. In addition, Setliff would be required to provide evidence that the dog is confined in a proper enclosure and that she has been identified with a tattoo or microchip.

Setliff admits to taking the dog to Rena for obedience training, but says that Molly never showed aggression toward Setliff’s grandchildren. She plans to appeal the ruling during a hearing scheduled to take place Thursday at 5 p.m. at North Platte City Hall.

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