People v. Tara

On May 6, 2005, the State filed a vicious-dog petition under section 2.19b of the Animal Control Act (Act) (510 ILCS 5/2.19b (West 2004)). The petition alleged that Tara, a rottweiler, attacked Melissa Blecker without justification. Following a bench trial, the Winnebago County circuit court found Tara to be a vicious dog. Tara’s owner, Anthony Beall, appeals the order, arguing that the State failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that (1) the puncture wound inflicted by Tara was a “serious physical injury,” and (2) Tara’s actions were without justification. We affirm.

I. BACKGROUND

A…