The Storm Lake City Council has voted 4–1 to uphold an order requiring a Rottweiler named Chucky to be permanently removed from city limits, following a February dog‑bite incident that injured a 13‑year‑old boy.
The decision came after a special hearing Monday afternoon, where council members heard emotional testimony from the dog’s owner, the victim’s family, and responding officers.
The case centers on a Feb. 28 attack in the alley between Hudson and Superior Streets. Police say the boy suffered puncture wounds to his leg and hand and was taken to Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. Officers also reported that Chucky was one year past due on his rabies vaccination and did not have a valid city dog license — both violations under city code.
City Manager Keri Navratil had issued the removal order on March 2, determining the dog met the definition of a vicious animal under Storm Lake ordinance.
The city’s dangerous and vicious animal ordinance defines a “serious injury” as any bite that breaks the skin—meaning even a single puncture wound can qualify a dog as vicious under the code.
Monday’s hearing gave Chucky’s owner, Laurie Maldonado, the opportunity to appeal.
She told the council the dogs got out accidentally when her 3-year-old nephew opened the door, and she insisted her dog was not the one that bit the child.
She said the second dog involved — her sister’s dog, a Pitbull named Mini — had shown aggression in the past and was euthanized after the incident.
The victim’s mother, Martha Esmeralda Cruz Barragan, addressed the council in Spanish, with a translator conveying her statements in English. She disputed claims from Maldonado that the dogs were typically supervised or kept indoors.
Police testimony also weighed heavily. Lt. Matt Younie described the scene in the alley.
Officer Oscar Garcia told the council the boy was too shaken to identify which dog bit him.
Maldonado told the council she has already updated vaccinations, obtained a dog license, and is willing to pay the victim’s medical bills directly to the hospital.
After closing the hearing, the council moved quickly into deliberation. Councilmember Maria Ramos cast the lone “no” vote, but the remaining four members voted to affirm the city manager’s order.
Under the ruling, Chucky must be permanently removed from Storm Lake.
