Farr West kennel owner warned by judge after dog jumps fence

FARR WEST — Council members have given Glenda Savikis one more chance to keep her dogs fenced or risk losing her kennel license.

At least one of her German shepherds recently jumped a 5-foot fence and killed her neighbor’s cat.

Savikis said she reported the incident to Weber County Animal Control. She was not home at the time of the incident and said she did receive a citation.

Savikis said she owns five dogs and has a current kennel license.

“The judge did talk to me, and if it happens again I will have to put them down,” Savikis told council members.

“The owner of the cat is not pursuing any (legal action), but three strikes and you’re out on this kind of deal,” Councilman Paul Dinsdale said.

Savikis said she is now keeping the dogs on choker chains or in a kennel while she is at work.

She said the dogs were also held in what she calls “animal jail” for 10 days before they were returned to her.

“She has been given one more opportunity to control her animals. If that doesn’t happen the consequences are stated,” Dinsdale said.

Councilman Tom Burkland said he thought this was the third incident, but Savikis said the prior incidents were with dogs other than the ones she currently owns. She said the past incident was two years ago, when one of her dogs bit a young boy.

“I suggest you have as much respect for other’s pets as you do for your own,” Burkland said.

“I do,” Savikis replied. “Pets are not just pets, they are part of the family.”

Dinsdale expressed concern about the city’s liability should it allow Savikis to keep her kennel license and another incident occurs.

Savikis said she was addressing the council members on the issue because animal control officers told her to.

Burkland said the animals are potentially dangerous and, “There are two documented incidents here — let’s not let this happen again.”

“Take to heart the advice the judge gave you,” Councilman Tim Shupe said.

“The next time it is not going to be discussed, it will be taken care of,” Burkland said.

Shupe told Savikis the council members did appreciate her coming in and addressing the issue.

The council unanimously approved letting Savikis retain her kennel license for the time being.