BARC STATEMENT ON DIESEL THE DOG
BARC Activity #A26-092997 documents the following:
On January 7, 2026, at approximately 9:52 a.m., an Animal Enforcement Officer responded to a complaint reporting a light brown dog approaching and barking aggressively at the caller. Upon arrival, the officer made contact with the complainant, who pointed out three dogs loose in the street, including Diesel.
Due to the behavior described by the caller and observed at the scene, Diesel was identified as the primary concern. The officer administered a tranquilizer to Diesel intentionally and appropriately as part of the response. Diesel then ran back to the owner’s residence and entered the backyard, followed by the other two dogs.
The officer knocked on the door, made contact with the owner, and explained that three dogs were in her backyard that enforcement was pursuing. The owner granted access to the yard so the dogs could be retrieved. The officer informed the owner that Diesel would need to be transported since he had been tranquilized.
Diesel was not tranquilized accidentally. He was the dog involved in the reported behavior and was the focus of the original complaint.
Additionally, the owner has stated publicly that she was the individual who called in the complaint regarding other dogs. That is not accurate. The complaint was placed by a different caller, and the phone number on record does not match the owner’s contact information.
The activity number referenced above is a public record and clearly documents the reporting party, the officer’s observations, and the actions taken during the response.
Additionally, we want to acknowledge and are investigating the matters around Diesel’s escape from the shelter following his intake. As soon as staff became aware that Diesel was no longer secured, immediate search efforts were conducted on and around the property, and the owner was notified as soon as we had confirmed information. We are actively reviewing the circumstances surrounding his escape, including staff procedures and facility conditions, and we remain committed to transparency, accountability, and continued efforts to locate Diesel.
