Duval County

‘Worst thing I’ve ever seen’: Jacksonville neighbors ask why animal control didn’t impound dog after gruesome attack

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — According to police, the dog responsible for a gruesome attack in Northwest Jacksonville is still at its owner’s home Tuesday even after Animal Care and Protective Services visited.

Stacey Moses was walking home on Mockingbird Street Monday night in Picketville when a Pitbull Terrier made its way to the front yard.

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According to the police report, the owner was attempting to get the dog inside when it spotted Moses.

“When the dog looked up and saw me across the street — he just lunged at me,” Moses said. “If that was a little kid, that little kid would be gone right now.”

A neighbor walking by was able to get the dog off of Stacey’s arm and another neighbor driving by picked her up.

“There was no meat. It was just bone. Worst sight I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen anything like that in my life,” Claude Chavis said. “I’m still having nightmares about it because I’ve never seen that.”

Moses called 911. According to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office report, the animal control investigator “advised they would not be responding [Monday] and that they would handle the matter during regular business hours.”

Action News Jax’s Robert Grant was at the house Tuesday when animal control arrived. An officer talked to the owner, but left without taking the dog.

“If the dog got out once, who’s to say it couldn’t get out again. And what else would he have done,” Moses said.

According to the City of Jacksonville, the case is under investigation.

In a statement, a representative said, “If an animal bites a human and the bite results in the skin being broken, the animal must undergo a 10 day quarantine for rabies.”

According to a spokesperson, the quarantine can take place at ACPS or at the owner’s home. The location is determined on a case-by-case basis.

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“Variables in each case that may be taken into consideration include the vaccination history of the dog, the owner’s ability to keep the dog confined and the severity and circumstance of the bite.”

Neighbors worry not enough is being done to ensure no one else gets hurt.