Humane Society announces safeguards after beloved pet killed at Tacoma marathon
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- A toy poodle was killed by a pit bull mix under the Humane Society’s care at a marathon.
- The deadly attack on May 3 in Tacoma has prompted calls for Humane Society reforms.
- The Humane Society announced steps it was taking to improve off-site event protocols.
The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County announced it will strengthen safeguards for when shelter dogs attend off-site events after a pit bull mix under the nonprofit’s care attacked and killed a family’s toy poodle earlier this month at the Tacoma City Marathon.
Following the incident on May 3, the Humane Society paused bringing shelter dogs to off-site events and started a review of its protocols. On Wednesday, the agency said in a statement that it was taking additional steps for off-site events: increasing the number of personnel to ensure a consistent buddy system, expanding training opportunities for volunteers who handle dogs, and providing more handling tools, supplies and resources for staff and volunteers.
To ensure the Humane Society’s off-site event processes align with industry best practices, the agency said it reached out to animal shelter and welfare experts to conduct a third-party review.
“We know our community wants answers and action,” the nonprofit said in its statement. “These immediate actions reflect our continuing commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the animals in our care, staff, volunteers, and every member of the community we serve.”
The Humane Society added that it would continue to update the public on changes as they are implemented.
Paul Baek, whose dog was killed in the attack, told The News Tribune that his family appreciated the Humane Society’s moves but more needed to be done.
“We appreciate the acknowledgement and initial reforms, but true accountability will ultimately be measured not by statements, but by transparent, meaningful, and lasting changes that ensure no other family experiences such a preventable tragedy,” Baek said in a statement Thursday.
He added that several critical issues still appeared unaddressed: clear behavioral screening standards for dogs attending public events; specific criteria determining their appropriateness for crowded community settings; transparency about their recent adoption-return or aggression histories; and mandatory muzzle considerations for high-risk animals.
“Meaningful reform requires not only broader training and staffing, but also clear public accountability and transparent preventive standards,” he said.
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Both dogs were on leashes at the time of the attack, according to Baek. The Humane Society confirmed the pit bull mix, Dallas, was leashed.
Dallas wore a vest advertising it was up for adoption. It was being handled by a Humane Society volunteer at Tacoma’s Dune Peninsula Park where the marathon and half-marathon ended, The News Tribune previously reported. Baek, who had completed the half-marathon before the attack, and his wife had brought their 10-year-old toy poodle, Brownie.
Baek’s wife was walking Brownie. Baek previously told The News Tribune that he heard his wife shout behind him and he saw Dallas bite and shake their dog, while Dallas’ handler tried but couldn’t properly control Dallas. Baek said he was able to pull Brownie from the canine’s mouth, as blood covered both of Baek’s arms, but it was too late to save his beloved poodle.
In a text message Thursday, Baek offered additional details about the incident when asked about it.
“My wife was holding Brownie’s leash, while the attacking dog appeared to be loosely controlled,” he wrote. “The attack was so violent that the leash caused injuries to my wife’s fingers as she desperately tried to hold on during the attack.”
Baek noted that the Humane Society volunteer had presented Dallas as well-trained and friendly.
“My wife and I were shocked when the dog suddenly turned aggressive and attacked without warning,” he wrote.
Dallas was subsequently euthanized after being classified as dangerous following a review of the incident by Animal Control and the Humane Society’s leadership team, the Humane Society previously said.
The incident was amplified by a fellow marathoner, Alexis Drugge, who in social media videos and later to The News Tribune described what she viewed as the Humane Society failing everyone involved, including the attacking dog’s volunteer handler. Drugge questioned the Humane Society’s training and why Dallas had been at the marathon in the first place, noting that the dog had been returned to the shelter by its owner two days before the attack.
An agency spokesperson said earlier this month that the marathon, of which the Humane Society was a sponsor, was not an adoption event, but community members could meet dogs and were directed to the shelter for any next steps. Dallas was previously in the nonprofit’s care and returned to the shelter two days prior to the attack, the spokesperson confirmed.
“As we review and improve processes, we remain committed to our mission of serving pets and people across Pierce County with compassion, accountability, and care,” the Humane Society said in its statement Wednesday. “We will continue helping animals find loving homes and supporting the people who love them.”
