Flagler County commissioners on Jan. 13 upheld a hearing officer's recommendation finding an 8-year-old Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog met the Florida statutory definition of a dangerous dog after two unprovoked incidents in which the animal charged and injured smaller dogs and knocked two people to the ground.

At the hearing, the victims described separate episodes in which the dog, when off its owner's property, charged at and bit a small dog and knocked a walker to the ground; the same dog later charged a second time and injured the small dog's eye area. The owner acknowledged the dog escaped on both occasions and said the animal's behavior was not characteristic and that she had taken steps since the episodes to restrain the animal and to muzzled it for off-property transport.

County attorney staff explained the legal standard under Florida law: a 'dangerous dog' can be one that, when unprovoked, 'chased or approached a person upon the streets, sidewalks, or any public grounds in a menacing fashion or apparent attitude of attack,' supported by sworn statements and investigation. The hearing officer's recommended order found the statutory standard met and proposed restrictions aimed at public safety.

Commissioners voted unanimously to uphold the magistrate's recommendation. The restrictions in the order require the owner to register the dog with animal control, post warning signage at the residence, keep the dog confined on the owner's property, use a muzzle when the dog is off property, and maintain current registration and vaccinations. The order warns that a further incident could lead to euthanasia and potential criminal charges under state law.

The commission emphasized that the decision reviewed the hearing record and the magistrate's findings; public commenters who spoke at the meeting included the injured parties and the dog's owner. The recorded action preserves the magistrate's recommended protections and sets out follow-up responsibilities for Animal Services to ensure compliance.