Memorial held for dog-attack victim

About 20 people braved blustery winds Sunday afternoon to view a tree-planting in memory of a Tucumcari man slain by a pack of dogs several weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the city's newest animal control officer during a city commission meeting Thursday explained how he was trying to address stray-dog problems. He also attended a dog-safety seminar Saturday at the Tucumcari Railroad Museum.

On Gamble Avenue at a spot about 100 yards east of where Stanley Hartt, 64, died on South 11th Street on Feb. 1 after he was attacked by five dogs, Erik S. Lacy watched as organizer Haley Place another others shoveled dirt onto the base of a desert willow planted in Hartt's memory.

Lacy said he lived next door to Hartt at the Travelers Inn motel in Tucumcari.

"He was the greatest; the nicest guy in the world," Lacy said. "He had a good heart."

"I look forward to the day we talk again," he added.

Lacy said he learned the next day his friend had died in the dog attack.

"I about passed out," he recalled. "I could have been me. I've walked in this area that time of night."

Mindful of winds measured at 66 mph at Tucumcari Municipal Airport, Place kept his remarks short after the tree and three wooden signs in remembrance of Hartt were placed into the soil.

He briefly detailed the outpouring of support from residents for the memorial, ranging from donated materials or artwork to a business owner who gave him a $100 bill to help cover the costs.

"This (dog attack) is the only time it has happened and will be the only time, right?" Place said. "We in Tucumcari look after each other."

Later Sunday, a memorial service for Hartt was held at Immanuel Baptist Church in Tucumcari. Several arrangements of flowers were set up along the church's altar, including a wreath with a photo of a smiling Hartt inside.

Lacy read a short poem that noted Hartt's surname was appropriate because he was "a man of good heart."

Place read an excerpt from the Quay County Sun column that Hartt wrote in November that extolled the quite, small-town values of Tucumcari.

Pastor Gordan Runyan said the "shocking" and "horrific" death of Hartt should make residents realize "it can't be the same like this."

"I hope it makes us realize we did something different," he said.

Mary Olimpia Montoya, 50, and her son Kristopher Jaquaris Morris, 27, both of Tucumcari, are charged with involuntary manslaughter (reckless) and a dangerous dog (death of a person), both felonies, a few days after the attack.

Both are free on bond but are forbidden to own or care for any animals. Their next court date will be in mid-March.

One of their dogs was euthanized by a sheriff's deputy near the attack scene. The other four animals are impounded at the city kennel until a judge makes a ruling about their future.

During the city commission meeting, new animal control officer Elijah Huber said those four dogs showed aggression when they initially were placed at the pound, but their behavior is improving.

Huber, who holds previous animal control experience in Maricopa County, Arizona, said he's been conducting high-visibility patrols. He said he recently detained a dog that attacked him, several animals and a resident getting his mail.

He said the city will offer free adoptions of dogs at the kennel, but not before he conducts a behavior assessment on each animal to determine their suitability for a variety of situations.

Huber said he has seven confirmed volunteers to walk and train the dogs at the pound. He said he will offer free vouchers from Tucumcari Dog Training to anyone who adopts from there.

Huber said he is seeking quotes to build six more kennel areas at the pound. The pound contains 22 dogs and is full.

On Saturday at the railroad museum, a couple with two small children attended a "Dog Safety for Kids" seminar conducted by Emily Priddy, owner of Tucumcari Dog Training. They were taught how to approach a dog so it's less nervous and how to spot signs of agitation. About half of dog-bite cases reported in the U.S. occur with children.

Huber, who also attended, explained how a bite stick, which resembles a telescoping baton, is the best option to fend off an attacking dog. Pointing and waving a bite stick at an aggressive dog's face often will distract it or make it back away.

Huber also said Mace or pepper spray isn't a good option against dogs because it irritates but doesn't stop them.