Deputies investigate after dog with aggressive past adopted from shelter bites new owner

A dog that was adopted from a Lake County animal shelter bit its new owner, deputies said.

The dog, named Heaven, was known for being aggressive before it was adopted, according to a report.

Deputies responded Wednesday to a Eustis home for a report of a dog bite.

The owner, Matt Waldron, said Heaven had bitten him on the arm, puncturing his skin. Waldron was giving the dog a verbal punishment for going to the bathroom in the house.

“Dog behavior is a tricky thing. Every dog reacts to different stimuli and different environments, and there are different triggers,” said Lake County Directors of Human Saftey Brian Sheahan.

Waldron said he adopted the pit bull mix Saturday, and since that time, the dog had snapped at him and his child.

Waldron said that after the dog bite, he wasn’t able to get near the animal because it was snarling and growling.

The responding deputy recognized the dog from Lake County Animal Services because of the dog’s documented aggressive behavior at the facility.

Deputies said the dog was found tied up and abandoned at a home.

Once in the shelter’s care, three separate assessments were conducted about concerns for aggression.

Despite those concerns, the shelter deemed Heaven adoptable and never warned its new family about its history.

“One of the things we’ve already implemented as of yesterday is ensuring that every adopted animal, whether it’s a rescue or an individual, (includes) a complete animal history with the adoption,” said Sheahan.

After learning about the dog’s past behavior, Waldron said he no longer wanted the animal.

The dog was taken back to Lake County Animal Services.

The adoptee signed standard shelter paperwork, which states adopters assume all risks, including bites.

“We do our best to assess them and make sure they’re safe to the public,” said Sheahan.

In Orange County, officials said adopters are required to sign a specific waiver acknowledging that they are well aware of their new pet’s behavior issues.

Cox Media Group