4 dogs in attack deemed ‘vicious’

Jace Radke

Friday, Jan. 25, 2002 | 9:42 a.m.

Four Great Danes that mauled an 11-year-old boy are "vicious" and could be euthanized, Animal Control officials said Thursday.

The dog's owner, Dail Kohler, will have 10 days to turn over the dogs to animal control, or she can request a hearing before the animal advisory committee, said Sgt. John Fudenberg, a Las Vegas City Marshal and spokesman for animal control.

Michael Foley was feeding the dogs Wednesday afternoon at Kohler's home in a rural neighborhood off U.S. 95 near the turnoff to Mount Charleston when the animals attacked him, Fudenberg said.

Chuck Foley, Michael's father, heard his son's screams and was able to scare off the dogs, which each weight at least 100 pounds.

Foley was listed in serious condition Thursday at University Medical Center after undergoing emergency surgery Wednesday evening.

"His condition is improving," UMC spokesman Rick Plummer said. "He has been taken off a ventilator and is breathing on his own."

Kohler was out of town at the time of the attack, and could not be reached for comment.

A municipal court judge would ultimately decide the dogs' fate, Fudenberg said.

"There are only two options," Fudenberg said. "She can give up the dogs or she can make a written request for a hearing. If there is a hearing the advisory committee will make a recommendation to a judge, who will make the decision."

A group of residents comprise the advisory committee, which is headed by Mike Sheldon, director of detention and enforcement for the City of Las Vegas.

The four dogs were taken to Lied Animal Shelter, where they will be held until their fate is determined.

Neighbors in the 8600 block of Rocky Avenue said there have been problems with the Great Danes attacking other dogs in the neighborhood; a dachshund was killed last summer and a Rottweiler was seriously injured in November.