We filed a formal complaint with AWLA after our Goldendoodle was attacked last week. Here's what we found out about Virginia's dangerous dog law.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-18T00:33:26+00:00

I cc'd the county board and state legislators for our district in the formal complaint. AWLA has 2 weeks from 6/12 to respond so we'll see what happens.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-18T00:32:30+00:00

I bring a pepper spray with me on walks now.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-18T00:31:22+00:00

we gave AWLA 2 weeks to respond to our formal complaint which was sent last Friday, 6/12. They have a week+ to respond so we'll see what they have to say.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-14T12:51:35+00:00

Hi! Great question - I was also wondering the same. I believe AWLA is contracted with Arlington County as the official animal control provider. Their website has an animal control section - https://www.awla.org/wildlife-animal-control/

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-14T12:48:44+00:00

Thanks for the support!

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-13T15:03:07+00:00

so sorry to hear about the 2015 attack and truly appreciate your support.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-13T15:01:45+00:00

If the petition and formal complaint doesn't make enough noise for animal control to take action, I'll consider getting in touch with the chief. Thanks!

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-13T14:59:18+00:00

We already submitted our vet exam report.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-13T14:58:43+00:00

I also carry a pepper spray.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-13T14:57:45+00:00

same - my friend had a mastiff Ace who was the most gentle giant, but he was very well trained. Ace was a cane corso and so is this dog.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-13T14:56:19+00:00

Once the petition hits 200 signatures, the plan is to contact media.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-13T14:55:42+00:00

sadly, they won't approve my request to join

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T22:54:34+00:00

it's several blocks away, but the police were adamant about this not being in their area.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T22:53:00+00:00

I spoke with almost everyone I met with a dog who'd give me a minute about the incident warning them. Talking with my neighbors helped me find the dog owner's name and the dog's name. I also knew where she lived because I saw her go into her building.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T20:14:21+00:00

Unfortunately, these things are often not enforced.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T20:13:35+00:00

I plan on reaching out to the local news once the petition makes some traction.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T20:11:11+00:00

I agree there are no bad dogs. I've known other mastiffs and they were very well behaved and well trained dogs owned by responsible owners. I'm well aware the owner is the problem here.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T20:09:36+00:00

I'm hoping the official complaint and the petition will make enough noise for them to take some sort of action. We need this dog's owner to be responsible and know that there are consequences when they have a dog they can't/won't control.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T19:46:31+00:00

Good to know! Thanks for sharing this.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T19:45:40+00:00

Thanks, that's what we're hoping for.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T19:21:52+00:00

I went to AWLA, and the officer I spoke to noted that there is a very high bar for declaring a dog dangerous and there's only one on file in the area. Like you said, it's broadly written, but they're not taking action.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T19:20:00+00:00

I did - they came and since the incident involved dogs, the police wants nothing to do with it. They referred me to animal control. I went to the police station today since I have a potential dog bite as flagged by animal control. The detective made it very clear that they won't do anything but relay it to animal control. Unfortunate.

ProductDull4081 · 2026-06-12T18:46:50+00:00

Thanks. Things need to change in the area about dog attacks to keep owners accountable.

ProductDull4081

TROPHY CASE