Dog Mauling Case Still Pending in Court

The case against an Oxford woman who was arrested after her dogs bit and killed another at Jackson Cove Park this summer is slowly making its way through the court system.

The case against was continued again Wednesday at Derby Superior Court until Oct. 20.

Tkacz has pleaded not guilty to a number of charges including two counts of obstructing duties of an animal control officer, two counts of failure to obey a quarantine order, four counts of allowing a dog to roam and four counts of having a nuisance animal.

Tkacz, who lives near Jackson Cove Park, is the owner of Newfoundland dogs, four of which were caught on surveillance video attacking and mauling a black Labrador brought to the park by its owner, town officials and police say. The 11-year-old family pet named Roxi later died of its injuries at a vet’s office.

While the criminal case is pending in court, civil suits are also being reviewed.

The family that owned Roxi, the Seversons of Oxford, have filed a against Tkacz seeking at least $15,000 for medical bills, veterinarian bills and emotional distress. The family has also asked a judge at Derby Superior Court to attach $150,000 worth of Tkacz's property to the suit because her house is for sale.

Tkacz has also filed a of her own; she's asking the town to comply with a consent order that would save the lives of her two Newfoundlands, which has been ordered to be euthanized by Oxford Animal Control Officer Sandy Merry; Tkacz is also seeking more than $15,000 from the town.

Both lawsuits are still pending, according to state records.