Video: Mantachie Family Fights For Their Service Dog In Court

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ITAWAMBA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – An Itawamba county family was back in court today, fighting to keep their service dog from being declared “dangerous”.

The heated court battle has been going on since January but today a judge made a ruling in the case.

Sharon McAlister and her 36-year-old son, Adam Umfress, have been in and out of court fighting to keep their service dog at their Mantachie home.

Umfress has a rare medical condition that has diminished his motor and hearing skills.

His family says there was a change in his life after they adopted the dog, Walter.

“He has done wonders for Adam’s life because until Adam got Walter, he didn’t leave the house. Now, he goes out, goes to the dog park. He goes places to get food to eat, things like that,” said Adam’s mother, Sharon McAlister.

The family’s neighbor, Steven West, complained to police that Walter was acting aggressive.

In court West said on several occasions, Walter barked and snapped at his children through a fence.

Out of fear, he turned to law enforcement, who labeled the dog as “dangerous” according to the city’s ordinance.

Now, McAlister fears for the dog’s safety.

“Then any police officer can walk up and shoot him, according to that ordinance, any time, any place with no warning and no repercussions, I’ve talked to the city about the fact that he is my son’s service dog, that seems to not matter at all to them,” said McAlister.

Prosecutors showed video during the trial of Walter allegedly barking and running toward the fence, along with testimony from Mantachie’s Mayor and the responding police officer.

The defense argued the family wasn’t properly notified of the city labeling Walter as “dangerous” and say he’s never  harmed anyone.

Itawamba County Circuit Court Judge, James Roberts, ruled the family was in violation of the city’s dangerous dog ordinance.

“The ruling was based on one persons opinion of a dog that hasn’t bitten anybody, hasn’t attacked anybody and doesn’t run free but never the less, that’s where we are at this moment,” said McAlister.

McAlister is considering appealing the decision.

” Oh, I’m thinking about a lot right now actually. So it’s going to be interesting,” said McAlister.
The judge ordered the family to pay a $100 dollar fine, register Walter as a “dangerous” animal and comply with the guidelines of the city ordinance.

West had no comment after the hearing.

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