Mason City woman cited after child “repeatedly scratched by a dog” leading to hospitalization

MASON CITY – A Mason City woman was given two citations after a child in her care was allegedly “repeatedly scratched by a dog”.

Mason City police officers were called to Mercy hospital for a dog complaint on March 15, 2019, at 2:41 p.m. An investigation was conducted, leading to citations for 56-year-old Tammy Starbuck. She was cited for no rabies vaccination and not permit animal to attack, harass, bite, scratch – both violations of Mason City municipal code.

Mason City police tell NIT that “A child had been treated (at the hospital) who had been repeatedly scratched by a dog, resulting in lacerations (on March 10, 2019). The child is family member of Starbuck and had been staying with her. A follow-up investigation was completed in the 200 block of 7th Street NE. Officers talked to Starbuck, who owns a husky/shepherd mix. Following the investigation, Starbuck was cited for her dog not having a rabies vaccination and for allowing an animal to attack or scratch. The dog was quarantined at the shelter.”