Mastiff That Mauled Pomeranian to Death Leaves the City

The Bullmastiff that attacked and killed a Pomeranian on the way to the Spooky Pooch Parade has been deemed “dangerous,” but the owner had already volunteered to remove her dog from the city. 

Before a “dangerous dog” hearing on Thursday, the dog owner and the city came to a settlement agreement.

The owner of the Bullmastiff, Lakewood resident Jennifer Wilms, was cited for dog-at-large, and is not expected to contest the citation. She voluntarily moved her dog “Simon” — a dog she’d owner for only two weeks prior to the incident — to stay in Cleveland. 

“She feels horrible that this happened,” said assistant law director Jennifer Mladek, adding that Wilms left city hall before the hearing began. 

She could not be reached for comment.

No criminal charges were filed.

The Lakewood Police Department police report — filed by animal control officer Jack Crawford — noted that the incident took place in the 1480 block of St. Charles Avenue at around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The dogs and their owners were headed to the Spooky Pooch Parade, about a block away, when the leashed Bullmastiff (Simon) attacked.

The Bullmastiff “grabbed the Pomeranian and swung it around by the neck,” said Capt. Gary Stone of the police department, adding that the Pomeranian was costumed for the parade.

Michael Bowen, the assistant to the mayor, said he hears about 25 to 30 “dangerous dog” cases per year.

“A lot times the cases are settled before they even get to me,” he said.