By Ashley McLeod, Staff writer
May 2, 2016, 12:48
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — Charges are pending as police investigate an incident where a dog attacked a child in Colonial Heights.
On Saturday, April 23, as children were playing outside on Lafayette Ave., a dog jumped on and bit an 11-year-old girl.
The dog’s owner, a neighbor of the victim, pulled the dog off of the child, but not before she was bitten by the 75-pound dog.
About a month ago, the same dog attacked the victim’s younger sister. Police say this is the third time the dog has attacked a person.
Sgt. Robert Ruxer with Colonial Heights Police said the dog had not been deemed dangerous or been euthanized after the previous attacks because no charges were pressed against the owners, and in order for something to happen, there needed to be a complaining witness in the incidents.
Charges in this incident are pending, and Ruxer said in order for something to happen with the animal, a judge must rule the animal as a threat.
“It is a possibility that the dog will be put down, but the judge may also deem it as a dangerous dog,” said Ruxer.
He also said there are many procedures that need to be followed in order for this to happen. To be listed as a dangerous dog, the owners must install a double fence for when the dog is outside and must obtain a $100,000 dollar insurance policy in case of future incidents.
The dog is currently in a 10-day quarantine at the animal shelter as the investigation continues.
