Woman cited for cutting off part of dog's tail

The woman told police she cut off the dog's tail because it bit her

By PAUL WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: June 26, 2009 - 8:58 AM

A 57-year-old north Minneapolis woman early Thursday attacked her daughter's small dog with a knife, leaving a bloody mess in the home and a portion of the pet's tail near the stairs, police said.

Brenda P. Jordan was arrested at the home, in the 2100 block of Penn Avenue N., shortly before 1 a.m. Jordan was cited for mistreatment of an animal, a misdemeanor.

The one-year-old female dog, identified by police as a Shih Tzu-poodle mix named "Poo," will survive, said police Sgt. Jesse Garcia. Along with having part of its tail severed, the dog was cut "in a few other places," Garcia said.

A portion of the dog's tail and blood were found on a first-floor stair landing, police said. Large amounts of blood were also discovered by an officer on the front porch and on a mattress in the living room, police said.

The animal received emergency medical care and then was turned over to Minneapolis Animal Care and Control, Garcia said.

The severed piece of the tail was stitched back on by a veterinarian, and the owner, 27-year-old Alexis Jordan, was free to claim Poo, said Dan Nizolek of Animal Care and Control.

Brenda Jordan told police that she cut the dog because it had bitten her, Garcia said, but the officer noticed no bite marks on her. Alexis Jordan told police that Poo was only barking at her mother before the attack.

The daughter took the knife from her mother, shoved her out the door and called police. Officers arrested Brenda Jordan on the porch and took her away in handcuffs.

The dog's owner said in an interview that Poo "is a good dog. She's not a problem."

Brenda Jordan also had a warrant out for her arrest on a disorderly conduct allegation. She was released Thursday from the Hennepin County jail and has a court July 16 court date.

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482

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