Oberle
Trusted Member
Ironic outcome for someone adopting a dog from the "Rabies Control" unit. Feel bad for all involved.
The Rottweiler that killed Anthony Riggs was adopted from Jackson-Madison County Rabies Control.(Photo: Jackson-Madison County Rabies Control)
http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/new...-attack-spent-5-days-rabies-control/75897632/
The Rottweiler that killed Anthony Riggs was adopted from Jackson-Madison County Rabies Control.(Photo: Jackson-Madison County Rabies Control)
http://www.jacksonsun.com/story/new...-attack-spent-5-days-rabies-control/75897632/
A dog that killed his new owner was a stray picked up by a city employee five days before his adoption, according to Kim Tedford, director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department.
Anthony Riggs, 57, had adopted the Rottweiler from Jackson-Madison County Rabies Control, which is a part of the health department, Thursday morning. The dog attacked and killed him later that same day, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Per Tennessee law, a dog picked up on the street or given up by its owner must be held for at least three days, Tedford said. If the animal has an identification chip or a collar with a name, they keep the dog for five to seven days.
During the three days, the animals are fed and watered, but not examined or tested, Tedford said. If unclaimed, they are then put online for adoption. Vaccinations and spaying or neutering are arranged by the owner after adoption.
Adrienne Riggs said policies should be changed for Rabies Control, including evaluating the animals over a period of time.
“They don’t assess the dogs, they don’t vet them, they don’t evaluate them, they just adopt them out,” Adrienne Riggs said. “You just can’t put a dog that may be dangerous out with an unsuspecting family. That’s just wrong.”
Tedford said Rabies Control leaves animals up for adoption for as long as possible, but has to euthanize animals when the 24 dog kennels are full.
Tedford said she hoped Riggs’ death would not stop people from adopting.
“We’ve never had this happen before through our Rabies Control office,” she said. “We certainly hope it’s something that never happens again. Our prayers and thoughts certainly go out to the family.”
Anthony Riggs, 57, had adopted the Rottweiler from Jackson-Madison County Rabies Control, which is a part of the health department, Thursday morning. The dog attacked and killed him later that same day, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office.
Per Tennessee law, a dog picked up on the street or given up by its owner must be held for at least three days, Tedford said. If the animal has an identification chip or a collar with a name, they keep the dog for five to seven days.
During the three days, the animals are fed and watered, but not examined or tested, Tedford said. If unclaimed, they are then put online for adoption. Vaccinations and spaying or neutering are arranged by the owner after adoption.
Adrienne Riggs said policies should be changed for Rabies Control, including evaluating the animals over a period of time.
“They don’t assess the dogs, they don’t vet them, they don’t evaluate them, they just adopt them out,” Adrienne Riggs said. “You just can’t put a dog that may be dangerous out with an unsuspecting family. That’s just wrong.”
Tedford said Rabies Control leaves animals up for adoption for as long as possible, but has to euthanize animals when the 24 dog kennels are full.
Tedford said she hoped Riggs’ death would not stop people from adopting.
“We’ve never had this happen before through our Rabies Control office,” she said. “We certainly hope it’s something that never happens again. Our prayers and thoughts certainly go out to the family.”