Dog owner files suit against city
RANDOLPH - The City of Randolph is facing legal action from a woman claiming she was traumatized after the city council threatened to impound her emotional support animal.
Kandice Cooke’s suit initially filed in small claims was transferred to the Cedar County Court’s civil docket last week.
As part of her claim, Cooke submitted registration documents from the Assistance Dogs of America Registry listing her dog “Rufus” as a boxer mix and an emotional support animal.
However, the breed listed on Rufus’ vaccination records is listed as pitbull.
The vaccination records were provided by Clarke and signed by a licensed veterinarian.
Randolph city ordinance, in effect since March 2015, bans pitbulls within city limits as a specific breed of dangerous dog.
Cooke made her case before the Randolph City Council at its regular April meeting.
At that meeting, City councilman Aaron Nielsen said a similar animal was approved - despite the ordinance - through an appeal from the animal’s owner. However, City Treasurer Josh Rayford said there is no record of a similar animal being registered with the city since 2020.
The council discussed the issue in executive session. After adjourning, a motion was made by councilwoman Janelle Biernbaum and seconded by Councilman Daniel Korth to deny Cooke’s request to keep the dog in the city limits.
The full council then voted to reject Cooke’s request and keep the ordinance in effect.
Cooke’s claim, filed after the city council meeting, seeks $3,900 for emotional trauma, the right to keep her dog, receive a city dog license and permission to build a fence at her residence on 704 S. Main St.
The city’s attorney, Keelan Holloway, asked for Cooke’s suit to be dismissed. The next court date is set for May 24.
In other court news, a Laurel woman pleaded not guilty to felony abuse of a vulnerable adult and several misdemeanors in Wayne County District Court.
Teri Fettig, 39, is accused of unauthorized use of the credit card of a woman residing in a Wayne assisted living facility where Fettig worked as a medication aide.
Fraudulent transactions occurred on a dozen occasions from January to February at Dollar General, Casey’s and 4th Jug in Wayne, according to court documents. The charge indicates the loss was more than $500 but less than $1,000.
Fettig allegedly told police that the resident had given her permission to use the card to purchase items for her.
However, the resident and power of attorney denied this claim. Through the investigation, law enforcement learned oftentimes, an employee may go with a resident to purchase items but it is very rare for an employee to purchase items alone and for transaction amounts to be more than $50. Law enforcement were able to obtain surveillance video which purportedly shows Fettig making purchases with the credit card.
A pre-trial conference date was set for June 6.