The Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County has introduced stricter safety protocols for off-site events following a fatal dog attack at the Tacoma City Marathon on May 3.
A leashed pit bull mix named Dallas, who was up for adoption under the organization's care, attacked and killed a 10-year-old toy poodle named Brownie near the finish line at Dune Peninsula Park.
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The attack occurred after Paul Baek completed the half-marathon and his wife was walking their leashed poodle.
Enhanced Safety Measures
The Humane Society paused off-site animal appearances to review protocols and subsequently implemented changes.
New measures include increasing personnel for a consistent buddy system, expanding volunteer training, and providing additional handling tools.
The agency also requested a third-party review from animal welfare experts to align its operations with industry standards.
"We know our community wants answers and action," the nonprofit said in a 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 organization added.
The Humane Society stated that updates would be shared as further changes are implemented.
"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 nonprofit said Wednesday.
The organization reiterated its core mission: "We will continue helping animals find loving homes and supporting the people who love them."
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Family Calls for Deeper Accountability
Paul Baek expressed appreciation for the initial response but urged the organization to establish deeper institutional accountability and preventive criteria.
"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.
Baek stated that the shelter needed to address specific public safety standards regarding animal histories and crowd appropriateness.
"Meaningful reform requires not only broader training and staffing, but also clear public accountability and transparent preventive standards," he said.
Providing further details, Baek described the intensity of the encounter and the resulting injuries to his wife.
"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," he added.
The family expressed profound distress over the unpredictable behavior displayed by the shelter dog during the community event.
"My wife and I were shocked when the dog suddenly turned aggressive and attacked without warning," Baek wrote.
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Following a joint review by Animal Control and shelter leadership, Dallas was classified as dangerous and subsequently euthanized.
