Dangerous Dog Hearing - April 24, 2026

The Evansville Animal Control and Education Commission held a hearing to determine whether the dog named Tokyo, owned by Danielle Gomez, should be declared a dangerous animal following an attack on a smaller dog on April 12, 2026. The complainant, Emma Jean Couture, testified that her dog Zoe was severely injured when Tokyo broke through a fence and attacked. After hearing testimony and reviewing evidence, the commission unanimously declared Tokyo a dangerous dog and imposed a series of restrictions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Complainant Emma Jean Couture (420 East Buena Vista Road) testified that on April 12, 2026, around 5:15–5:30 p.m., she was cutting irises in her yard with her small dog Zoe (under 10 pounds) nearby. She heard a crash and saw the neighbor's large dog burst through a section of fence and charge onto her property. Zoe ran toward the dog and was grabbed by the back end and flailed in the air. Couture yelled and waved her hands, causing the dog to drop Zoe. Couture then picked up Zoe and retreated to her house. Zoe sustained a deep gash that punctured her abdomen, multiple gashes and tears requiring stitches, and leg damage causing her to be non-weight-bearing on that leg. Emergency veterinary care cost $3,000. Couture expressed fear of the dog and noted previous aggressive barking and a prior hole in the fence. She also stated that a mail carrier had expressed fear of the dog. She presented photos of the fence condition and Zoe’s injuries.
• Richard Couture (husband) testified that Zoe is very important to him and has not been able to jump into his lap since the attack. He noted that about six months earlier he had called Danielle Gomez about the poor condition of the fence, fearing it would fall over. He also mentioned the mail carrier’s comment about being afraid of the dog.
• Respondent Danielle Gomez (414 East Buena Vista Road) testified that her dog Tokyo is a large rescue dog, an indoor dog who only goes outside at certain times. She stated Tokyo has never attacked another animal before and that family members bring their dogs over without issue. She explained that the fence damage was caused by her ex-husband ripping off pickets, and she had temporarily covered holes with cattle panels and chicken wire. Since the incident, she has put Tokyo on a 20-foot lead to prevent escape. She did not know if Tokyo is spayed or up-to-date on vaccines. She said the dog is sweet and protective of her five children.
• Michael Ringham (father of Danielle Gomez) testified that he has never seen Tokyo act aggressively; the dog barks but backs away. He brings his 30-pound dog to the house without problems.
• Animal Control Superintendent Heather reported that the address has a history of reports since 2019, including a 2023 bite involving Tokyo, where Tokyo was quarantined at home. The 2023 bite occurred when Tokyo bit her son after he put his hand in her mouth during a scuffle with another dog. The superintendent also noted that Gomez refused to voluntarily surrender Tokyo before the hearing, citing concerns about the dog’s depression in a shelter setting.

Discussion Items

• The commission discussed the evidence, including Tokyo’s escape and attack on Zoe, the severity of injuries, the history of a prior bite, the poor condition of the fence, and Gomez’s inability to provide vaccination or spay records.
• Commissioners expressed concern about the risk of future escapes and attacks on other pets. They noted that Tokyo may have barrier aggression and that the fence is not secure.
• The commission voted unanimously to declare Tokyo a dangerous animal (motion by Kindle, second by Tamara).

Key Outcomes

• Tokyo was declared a dangerous dog (no bodily injury to a human involved).
• The commission imposed the following restrictions under Evansville Municipal Code 6.05.150:
  1. When outdoors, the animal must be attended and kept within a fenced area from which it cannot escape.
  2. When off the owner’s property, the animal must be attended and kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under the control of a person 18 years or older.
  3. Placement of a "Beware of Dog" sign at the front of the property (and any other public approach areas).
  4. Spaying of the animal at the owner’s expense (unless medically contraindicated).
  5. Permanent identification by microchip or tattoo.
  6. Failure to comply with conditions may result in a fine of up to $2,500.
  7. If a further attack occurs and Tokyo is again determined dangerous, humane destruction may be ordered if the incident involves serious injury to a person.
• Both parties have the right to appeal the decision within 10 days to Vanderburgh County Superior or Circuit Court by verified complaint.