Alleged Dog Bite Denier Faces Prosecution
Jean Francis Snyder’s Red Chow Mix Is Suspected of Sending Girl to ER
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Santa Barbara dog owner suspected of interfering with Animal Control procedures and evading legal responsibility after her animal bit a 5-year-old child on the face could face charges for up to four misdemeanors and one infraction, according to the Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD).
The SBPD identified Jean Frances Snyder, a 57-year-old Santa Barbara County resident, following an investigation into the July 5 incident during which Snyder’s dog allegedly bit a child attempting to pet her at a charity event. While SBPD spokesperson Riley Harwood could not say how severe the girl’s injuries were, he said she was taken to the emergency room. After the incident, Snyder reportedly walked away from the scene but was stopped by the victim’s father. Snyder provided contact information including a name and the dog’s license number — all of it allegedly false.
Jean Frances Snyder. SBPD
However, the victim’s mother stayed on the hunt, finding pictures of the suspect at another charity event and presenting them to the SBPD which then sent the photos out through its Nixle alert system, asking for the public’s help in identifying the woman. By July 17, SBPD had identified the suspect as Snyder, thanks to numerous tips from the community. Her name, at that time, was not released.
Now, the SBPD has recommended to the District and City Attorneys that Snyder face misdemeanor charges for concealing information about an animal to prevent quarantine, interfering with Animal Control duties, failing to report an animal bite, and failing to isolate or surrender a biting animal, as well as an infraction charge for not providing accurate information within 48 hours of an animal bite incident.
The misdemeanor charges stem from mischief that allegedly ensued when Animal Control officers responded to Snyder’s home. According to Harwood, Snyder reportedly presented a different dog to Animal Control officers, claiming it was the one responsible for the bite. Harwood said the real offending animal, described as a red chow mix, is not a first time offender — perhaps the reason Snyder appeared so intent on keeping it out of the hands of Animal Control.
As of press time, the District Attorney’s decision on Snyder’s charges has not been released.
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Comments
Good job on the parents part for not giving up. I would sue this woman if I were them. Good luck, and I hope she gets the book thrown at her. This behavior is reprehensible and while I can't suggest what I'd really like to say, I hope the D.A. pushes this one through quickly. Also, I realize it's only a misdemeanor but in my eyes this is more like a felony. A couple days in jail would be good for this woman.
sbsurfguy (anonymous profile)
September 5, 2012 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nice to know that Animal Control in SB actually does something. I guess it takes a dog biting a human ( especially a child) to get the law to kick in. I for one have lost sleep for almost a year due to a neighbors 3 yapping chihuahuas and AC have done little to nothing. About now I am thinking animals have more rights than people do in our town.
yendopostal (anonymous profile)
September 5, 2012 at 6:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Snyder’s dog allegedly bit a child attempting to pet her" As much as we all hate biting dogs you do have to train children to be careful with all dogs. Both parties are responsible here. Snyder should not have a dangerous dog in public but at the same time the child should be taught to not approach unfamiliar dogs. However, as it is in most cases, the crime is in the cover up. It is completely irresponsible to ignore a victim biten by your dog.
DanVac (anonymous profile)
September 7, 2012 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I believe that permission was asked before the child attempted to pet the dog. This just seems so typical of arrogant Santa Barbarians. The dog owner is probably more concerned that they put her age in the article.
realitycheck447 (anonymous profile)
September 9, 2012 at 1:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)