Summit County Hearing Set to Address Animal Control Citations in March

Two dog bite cases, one carrying a formal restitution demand, went before a Summit County Administrative Law Judge on March 19 at the courthouse in Coalville, along with two matters listed in default status on the county's enforcement calendar.

Administrative Law Judge hearings are held every third Thursday of the month at 3:00 p.m. at 60 North Main Street, and the March 19 docket drew four separate enforcement items spanning animal control violations and a recreation district notice.

The most consequential case on the calendar involved Casidi Kirkham, cited under Case 26-A00370 (Citation 4240) for an animal control administrative citation alleging attack/bite. The county's enforcement calendar flagged the case with the notation "RESTITUTION REQUESTED," though no documentation publicly identifies who requested restitution or the amount sought. Officer O'Toole of Summit County Animal Control is listed as the citing officer.

A second bite case involved Kathryn Kobak, who faced dual charges under Case 26-A00213 (Citation 4342): running at large and attack/bite. Officer Harris of Summit County Animal Control is the officer of record.

Under county ordinance, fines may change without prior notice, additional fines and fees may be assessed, and late fees accrue at 10% per month. The county's published schedule sets a first-offense dog bite citation at $500, rising to $750 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third. Running at large carries a $100 first-offense fine. The county also notes that fines are doubled if a dog is unsterilized, and an additional $100 applies for each additional violation.

Two other items on the March 19 docket carried a "Default" annotation. Aliana Elise Bushell appeared on the calendar under Case 26-A00448 as an animal control citation in default status. Arthur Gearin was listed in default on Violation Notice 172639 issued by the Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District. The Snyderville Basin Special Recreation District was created by Summit County to focus on the development, management, and maintenance of parks, trails, properties, sports facilities, and recreational programs in Snyderville Basin. The calendar entry does not define what the default annotation means in either case.

Individuals receiving a citation may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, and the ALJ may dismiss violations upon proof of compliance. The hearing was accessible remotely via Zoom using Meeting ID 482 101 1207 and password 24601.

Anyone seeking information about the March 19 cases or future enforcement hearings can contact the Summit County Attorney's Office at (435) 336-3206 or emcatee@summitcountyutah.gov, or write to P.O. Box 128, 60 North Main, Coalville, UT 84017. Summit County Animal Control can be reached by phone at (435) 336-3985 or by email at animalcontrol@summitcountyutah.gov, and is located at 1745 S Hoytsville Road in Wanship.