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On July 17, 2024, the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a complaint alleging that Fire Inspector Paul Dickman was bitten by a dog while on site. Compliance Inspector (CI) Heather Radney conducted an investigation of the allegation and found it to be substantiated based on the following information:
5 CSR 25-400.085 (4)(A) - Animals which may pose a threat to the health or safety of children shall not be permitted on the premises or shall be penned securely in an area which is inaccessible to the children.
On July 17, 2024, CI Radney received and reviewed six photos from Ron Thompson. The photos show two bleeding injuries on the left forearm near the elbow, and one red mark on the underside of the same area of the arm. The photos show swelling and bruising.
On July 18, 2024, CI Radney conducted an interview with Sandra Bradford. She reported yesterday, July 17, 2024, she and the kids came inside from playing outside. She let her three dogs outside and left the garage door open a few feet because it was hot and it would provide them shade if they wanted it. She thinks the dogs were sleeping when Paul pulled up and got out of his car. When he walked by, it startled them, and they charged at him barking. The older dogs just barked but their 14-month-old dog, Penelope, got too wound up and bit Paul on the arm. She was inside the house and saw and heard the commotion on her cameras. She heard Paul yelling at the dogs to get back and waving his clipboard around. She called the dogs back in to the garage and closed the garage door. Paul said one of the dogs had bit him. She saw the marks on his arm.
On July 18, 2024, CI Radney completed an unannounced inspection and walkthrough of the home. During the inspection, one of the dogs walked through the home with the provider's husband.
On September 12, 2024, CI Radney conducted an interview with Fire Inspector Paul Dickman. He arrived and everything happened in about 15 seconds or less. As soon as he closed his door and began walking, heard the dogs. They were barking and snarling. There were three dogs loose on the property. At least one bit him. There were three puncture wounds that were bleeding, as well as scratch marks. Another or possibly the same dog bit the back of his leg on his calf, which tore through the pants and left a bruise. He was trying to fight three dogs off.
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