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Owner of Dogs That Killed Smaller Black Lab Arrested in Oxford

Owners of mauled dog say they are happy the owner of the other dogs is finally taking responsibility.

The owner of four large Newfoundland dogs that at Jackson's Cove Park this week has been arrested.

Vickie Tkacz (pronounced Kach), 37, of 46 Jackson Cove Road, Oxford, turned herself in to the Oxford Resident Trooper's Office on Friday, police said. She was charged with two counts of failure to quarantine, obstruction of an investigation by an animal control officer, four counts of a roaming dog and four counts of a nuisance dog, police said.

Her four dogs were being walked by teenagers who had trouble controlling the dogs on Tuesday night, police said. Pat Severson, 20, of Oxford, was walking his 11-year-old black Labrador Retriever, "Roxy," when at least two of the Newfoundland dogs attacked them, police said. Severson said he has bruises on his hands from hitting the dogs, trying to make them stop mauling Roxy, and was bit by one of the dogs; he is taking rabies shots as a precaution.

Pat Severson's father, Jim Severson, said the family had been upset that the dog owner was evading her responsibilities by not turning herself into police.

"We're pleased she is now doing the responsible thing, and whatever situation she has caused, she's going to have to deal with it now, and we're hopeful justice will be served," he said. "We're dealing with a personal loss here and this doesn't change that. But I'm glad she came to her senses and is taking care of the things she should have been taking care of all along."

All four of the Newfoundland dogs, which Tkacz breeds, have been quarantined and are being held at the Oxford Animal Control office.

Oxford Resident Trooper Sgt. Dan Semosky said the case is now closed. He gives credit not only to his office but also the Oxford and state animal control offices for their help.
He said the office has had other complaints about Tkacz and her dogs, but never one this extreme.

"This is a very sad case," he said.

Tkacz has been released on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on Aug. 18.

Michelle July 31, 2011 at 04:17 pm
So sad this happened and it could have been our dog. Our 4 month old Newfoundland puppy was also attacked by these same dogs last October. It was horrifing to watch these dogs go after our puppy and hear her cry as she was being attacked while my children ages 4 & 7 hysterically watched and myself being helpless against four 150lb attackers. If it was not for my husband and another man coming to her rescue the outcome would have been the same as it was for Roxy. A young boy was walking the dogs as they became unleased and came right towards us, as the attack occured a lady ( the owner of the dogs) came down and said that they "got away from her son" and if the men weren't there to pull the dogs off ours "they would have killed her", she was fully aware of her dogs behavor and still led them to the beach. I contacted Animal control and they knew exactly whom I was speaking of and reassured me that the dogs were going to be quarantined and not allowed to leave the property. I wish something had been done long ago and it is a real shame that it had to come to this for actions to be taken!!!!!!! R.I.P. Roxy
Billie July 31, 2011 at 06:59 pm
Copied from facebook
Vickie Tkacz 46 Jackson Cove rd. Oxford , Ct 06478. We only accept cash on pick up day.. Answers to "FAQ's" 1. Yes they drool. 2. Yes they are furry, If you are clean and ... lakesidenewfies.com/ CASH ONLY? Sounds like a home business. I clicked for more but the site is down.
Dorothy Peebles-Pelley July 31, 2011 at 08:16 pm
Thanks for your comment Craig, No they searched and the dogs were not found. There is not record of them being licensed in Oxford. The were HUGE. I am told they Were Great Danes of similar breed or mix. How can dogs like that not be seen any where and the show up again months later in my neighborhood. The neighbor who was chased has 3 kids the baby and 2 others under 10years old. My husband even wondered when we heard about the Jackson Cove attack if this woman had dogs of other breeds and might be the owner of the 2 that attacked us. Dogs could get here quickly along the lake shore and they seem to my neighbor to come and go in that direction. We are all still afraid. I was knocked down when I tried to grab Torty luck not to have been bitten.My heart breaks for Roxy and her family.
Craig Zac July 31, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Now that the owner has turned herself in, cant they just do a rabies test on the dogs to see if they actually have it? if not, Roxys owner wouldnt need the shots...no?
Craig Zac July 31, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Yeah, luckilly you went bitten, i have been bitten a few times breaking up dog fights or just gettin the way while dogs ply. It hurts like crazy... one of my dogs caught my knee with a tooth while they were wresteling around me, admittidly, we were ruff housing like boys do but when I say it hurt...lol it didnt break the skin but I had an indent in my knee for a day or two but the bruising... that lasted awhile and it hurt!
I can only imagine a bite from a dog as big as a dane...
Sandra August 1, 2011 at 02:03 pm
I think I read these comments somwhere else before.... OH YEAH Lord of the flies! stop being so nasty to each other and lets wait and see what the outcome is. I dont know either of these people and if it was my pet that was killed i would be devistated and if it was my pet that did the killing i would be horrified, devistated scared for myself and the dog.I am not saying this is how the owner feels she could be careless as people say but I would say most of us do not know all of the facts and we shouldn't judge to harshly. More importantly the kids holding the dog are going to be traumatized and now they get to read about it and be scared and ashamed for something that is not their fault.
Cindy August 1, 2011 at 02:38 pm
My dog was viciously attacked by two of their newfoundlands this past New Year's Eve in my own yard. She is still suffering from the trama of that attack - I had to bring her to the emergency vet and her bills amounted to approx. $1500, all of which they paid for. If I had not run outside to stop them, I don't think my dog would have made it. She had multiple, deep puncture wounds all over her body which needed multiple stitches and a drain. The dogs were fine around people but I was told these two, a brown and a black one, in particular, created havoc in the neighborhood, have done this before and if they were to be reported, they would be put down. Given they had a new litter, I was asked not to and was also promised that they would be placed in new homes. I'm so sorry for the poor lab and the Severson family. My heart truly goes out to you.
kathy johnson August 1, 2011 at 06:18 pm
I have not been following this sad story on the Patch until recently. I would just like to say that I am so sorry about the Severson's beloved Roxy. I am relieved that their son will be fine. Maybe it is unfair to ban all dogs from the Cove. I once told a mail man don't worry my dog doesn't bite. His reply was he has teeth doesn't he? It is never the animals fault it is the humans fault. Maybe we should send the people home and let the dogs stay. Seriously, I hope that Park and Rec can find a way to solve this problem so that Oxford pets, pet owners and citizens can continue to enjoy Jackson Cove together. I would suggest that maybe one large area could be set aside for pets and their owners. Just a thought. I own two little dogs, Angel, a Maltese and Teddy Bear, a Zuchon. Kathy
Vickie Tkacz August 3, 2011 at 01:17 am
Susan, When she yelled that to you, were any of your dogs on a leash?
Amy August 3, 2011 at 02:45 am
Paul, is there any way can find out if the new litter of puppies are safe? Those puppies are all spoken for and a deposit has been put down for those puppies to go to new homes. I'm concerned especially hearing that all 4 newfies have been quarantined. If you can please shed some light on this that would make me feel more at ease.
Paul Singley (Editor) August 3, 2011 at 02:54 am
I will attempt to find out. Thanks.
Craig Zac August 3, 2011 at 01:20 pm
Good thought Amy.. I wonder if they are safe being without their mother.
Craig Zac August 3, 2011 at 01:21 pm
Heres a question.. at first, I was under the impression that two dogs were at the shelter, then I heard there were 4, then I hear the owner took two out of state to hide them.. so how many dogs are in custody at this time.
JYD August 3, 2011 at 04:06 pm
So Craig, are you saying that responsible pet owners should have to pay the price of other people's actions and be banished from the park? I respect the fact that you don't want to take your dog to the area. That's perfectly fine. I do the exact same with my dog too, but it's a decision that's mine to make and not anybody else's. My dog is part of my family, and he travels extensively with us because we like having him with us and it's not an inconveniece. If I want to take him to the lake, or to the land trust, or even for a walk down the street in my neighborhood filled with kids, it's my decision and my responsibility. Do not tell me (or all other dog owners) to "do everyone a favor, and leave your dog at home."
Craig Zac August 3, 2011 at 05:39 pm
JYD,
Let me ask you, If someone was sitting next to your family on a beach, twirling a loaded gun, how comfortable would YOU feel? even if I told you they are a very responsible gun owner? Ok, so maybe we can let dogs on the beach but hows about, if the dog causes any problems, the owner gets a $1000.00 fine? or if anyone complains, the dog has to go?
Craig Zac August 3, 2011 at 06:13 pm
Ok JYD, you can bring your dog to the cove, if it will make you happy. Hell if the rednecks of NC can do it, damnit so can us rednecks of Oxford!!
lol
Rollie August 3, 2011 at 07:11 pm
Craig, are you calling all Oxford folks Rednecks or just us Old Timers with the chickens and horses and pigs. i can go on. Let's have a Pig Roast some time
Paul Singley (Editor) August 3, 2011 at 07:24 pm
I took down a comment for name calling with the term moron. If you remove it, you can repost it. I'm trying to be more proactive in taking down posts that are inappropriate, especially those that have name-calling. Thanks.
Craig Zac August 3, 2011 at 07:40 pm
All of us Bill... (I'm a City boy but I'm a Red Neck at heart!) Throw some chicken on the grill and im there..(Ill bring the beer!) The only thing i dont do is hunt, it dont feel right shooting at something that dont shoot back...lol lets all of us, everyone who posted to this story go have a massive cook out at the cove.. and yes, bring your dogs... (somethings gotta clean up the table scraps!)
Martha Cable August 5, 2011 at 12:40 pm
The woman who owns the newfies has a very bad track record,. anyone who knows of her, and that is most everyone, knows what kind of person she is, so this is no surprise to hear of her lack of respect for herself or others. This is her kharma coming back at her. Too bad her young sons have to be exposed to her and her behavior. She has caused enough heartache to the family she married into and I even hate that she still uses her married name.
I have a half-mastiff dog, a castrated male, and he runs 150#. He is gentle as was his mother, and that is why I wanted him in the first place. I would never think of owning a dog I could not control or that was prone to violence, let alone take him anywhere where he could cause harm to anything else! It is totally the responsibility of Ms. Rogg, to be responsible and moral, but we all know that she is neither!
Kevin Maher August 9, 2011 at 09:52 pm
you can tell who the honest and responsible people are, they use their real names, while others cowardly hide behind screen names. The half a$$ breeders are the ones to blame, period. End of story.
karma August 19, 2011 at 04:05 am
I agree with martha. The pain vicki has caused is unbelievable and I feel sorry for the people she has hurt in her wake of distruction. It is a bit annoying that she still has that last name. Im sure it is somewhat embarrassing to the tkacz family. Although I do feel these dogs should be taken away from her and given to someone who can handle them but I hate to see them put down
Sarah H August 20, 2011 at 04:07 am
She has been pumping out puppies with reckless abandon this year. At least 7 litters of pups this year at 1200 - 2000 dollars a puppy. It is strictly a cash business. Probably to pay for that expensive construction on her house. Those poor dogs are bred every time they go into heat! She has at least 8 adult dogs and she sells these puppies to unsuspecting families. She doesn't care that they carry this aggressive trait! Vicki and her boyfriend are damaging one of the finest breeds of dog there is. Shame on her. She is dishonest and irresponsible. I will be reporting her to the AKC.
Someone August 25, 2011 at 02:01 pm
Believe me, if you knew more about this lady, you would realize that this IS karma coming back at her. It's truly unfortunate that others had to be involved, and my heart goes out to the Lab's family for their loss, but it's really fantastic that she's getting her butt handed back to her in pieces.
Someone August 25, 2011 at 02:13 pm
Not that I'm sure she isn't accumulating more bad karma with this. A multi-tasker, how efficient of her.
martha September 20, 2011 at 01:46 pm
Perhaps you should have euthanized your dogs when they started ripping apart your cats! Were you waiting for it to be a child before you did something? Children should not be responsible for handling these large and obviously dangerous dogs!
martha September 20, 2011 at 01:51 pm
She's been pumping out puppies for years Sarah. She breeds the females constantly. The house smells so bad you'd want to vomit. She has a wing for her puppy mill. My children used to go over there but when they told me about the dogs killing her cats I stopped allowing it. She is only in this for the money to build her big house
kiddy corner December 9, 2011 at 02:10 am
so does that mean when it's a child, it would be OK too??????? Where is your responsibility in all of this.
kiddy corner December 9, 2011 at 02:12 am
Being the owner of these dogs Vickie and posting while pending lawsuits isn't that a bit stupid!
kiddy corner December 9, 2011 at 02:19 am
her case is due in court next week! she's now having sex with her lawyer...maybe that will help her win! Hope not

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Kelly Donohue June 17, 2013 at 07:47 pm
There is a relatively new playscape at posypanko for town use. The one at Center School is fromRead More before QFS was built. The monkey bars are too small for the kids to even fit under. My point is if there is money to spend, and we want a playscape, how about fixing one that is used everyday.
Craig Zac June 18, 2013 at 07:55 am
why does it need to cost so much is what I wanna know... 138K...that's half of what I paid for myRead More house and land! Sounds like someones got 138K that's burning a hole in their pocket. Cant we find a less expensive playscape the kids would enjoy? or have it built by volunteers? maybe some of the very numerous contractors and builders living in Oxford would volunteer some time and skill to this project or better yet, some of these out of town builders who are throwing up McNeighborhoods in town would like to kick in some time and materiel for this? Heck If they wanna build here in town, they can start with a playscape..no?
dan June 18, 2013 at 12:47 pm
How about lowering taxes for once. Or not making the people that were screwed by a croupt townRead More offical pay the debts that the town says they now owe. Why not run a surplus or add to rainy day fund. Why do we as the town of oxford need to spend it just because its there? Let's rethink this plan there are plenty of parks and we cn find a different way to fund this one. Or here's a novel idea let's get garbage pick up for the town.