complaint·July 30, 2024

Regarding the allegation: 1.) Facility did not provide a safe environment for residents. It was alleged that a resident’s dog was roaming freely outside the facility and attacked another dog. The complainant’s concern is that the dog’s presence at the facility is not creating a safe environment for the residents in care. During the time of the visit, the LPA conducted interviews with four (4) residents, including Resident #1 (R1). R1 explained that R1 was babysitting a dog for a week at the beginning of July 2024. R1 said that the dog escaped the facility through an open side gate. R1 said that the facility’s side gates are normally closed. R1 said that while the dog was out, the dog attacked another dog. R1 said that the dog was not aggressive and that the dog did not show any aggression towards the other residents or staff. R1 stated that they do have one (1) dog of their own that stays at the facility. R1 said that R1’s dog remains by R1’s side and is not aggressive and has no issues with staff or residents. Resident interviews revealed that the residents feel safe at the facility and did not bring up any safety concerns regarding dogs. Administrator interview revealed that the side gates do stay closed, however on Mondays one of the side gates stay open in order for the gardeners to have access to the backyard. The Administrator stated that side gates will remain closed from now on. Interview with R1 and the Administrator revealed that the dog has left the facility and will not be returning. The Administrator said that R1’s own dog is nice and not aggressive and has no issues with R1 having a dog at the facility. The Administrator stated that herself and her staff are always checking on the health and safety of all the residents in care and would not allow an aggressive dog at the facility. The information obtained during the investigation did not include evidence sufficient to corroborate the allegation. Although the allegation may have happened or is valid, there is not a preponderance of evidence to prove the alleged violation did or did not occur, therefore the allegation is deemed Unsubstantiated at this time. Exit interview conducted. No citations issued. A copy of the report was issued.