Police Chief Answers Questions on Dog Attack

Bristol Borough Police Chief Arnold Porter provided answers Thursday to LevittownNow.com in regards to dog attack that took place Tuesday afternoon on the 300 block of Jefferson Street.

Porter said that authorities could not put the dog down, however, as per borough code the dog could be quarantined.

A source with knowledge of the investigation said authorities met with the family Wednesday to inform them of codes related to dogs that attack members of the community.

The attack took place Tuesday afternoon when a woman walking a small dog approached the home on the quiet residential street. The incident got violent after two staffordshire terriers, also known as pitbulls, crashed through the wooden fence in an effort to get to the small dog.  One of the terriers bit the tip of  finger of the hand of the owner’s grandmother, attacked its housemate and caused unknown injuries to the small dog, officials said.

Borough police responded to the call and as of press time no charges or violations had been filed, according online court documents.

Porter said Thursday  authorities met with the family, however, did not provide details of the nature of the meeting.

On Wednesday afternoon, a dog could be heard barking in the home while the residents that recently moved into the community from Florida greeted family members home.

Porter would not confirm or deny if the dog in question has a prior attack history of any kind saying, “that would be a question under civil law I can not answer.”

The wooden fence the dogs broke through  surrounds the property from the backyard all the way to the side entrance that’s used by the family stands in a weakened state.

A fresh wooden section seems to have been added to the fence as it stands out from the rest of the worn and old white paint.

The fence  looks to stand approximately three to three and a half feet high.

Porter provided the borough ordinances  relevant to dogs in general and the ordinances that apply to Tuesday and other situations related to dog ownership for Bristolians.

As of Wednesday afternoon there were no signs posted warning the public about the canine and the potential for a safety issue.

“Threatening dogs,” allow police officers and or a dog warden to kill a dog that is deemed a danger to the public welfare and safety, according to ordinance.

Additionally dog owners, who are responsible for the control of their four legged friends can spend up to 90 days in  jail with fines of up to $1,000 for a third violation of allowing a dog to run free.

According to officials, the investigation into the incident on Tuesday has yet to be completed.

 

Part 2  Dogs Running at Large

§2-201. Definitions.

As used in this Part, the following terms have the meaning indicated, unless a
different meaning clearly appears from the context:

Confinement of dogs–the owner or keeper of any dog shall be required to confine their dog within a fenced area, which shall be of sufficient design and material to reasonably confine the dog to the premises. The fenced in area shall be secured by a gate, with lock, and the fenced in area shall be no smaller than 6 feet x 10 feet. The fenced in area required by this Section shall otherwise comply with any applicable zoning requirements, including height and setback requirements.

Owner–any person having a right of property in any dog or having custody of any dog, or any person who harbors or permits a dog to remain on or around his or her property.

Running at large–being upon any public highway, street, alley, park, or any other public land, or upon property of another person other than the owner, and notbing accompanied by or under the control of the owner or any other person having custody of said dog.

Under reasonable control–when not on the premises of the owner, the owner shall have the dog secured by means of a leash, not to exceed a length of 6 feet, and of a type sufficient to secure that dog, and shall otherwise keep the dog under reasonable control. [Ord. 1278] (Ord. 1005, 7/14/1986; as amended by Ord. 1265, 9/14/2009; and by Ord. 1278, 2/14/2011)

§2-202. Dogs Running at Large and Confinement of Dogs.

1. Dogs Running at Large. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog or dogs
to allow or permit such dog or dogs to run at large in the Borough of Bristol.

2. Confinement of Dogs. It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog to fail to keep at all times such dog either:

A. Confined within the premises of the owner. B. Firmly secured by means of a collar and chain or other device so that it cannot stray beyond the premises on which it is secured.

C. Under the reasonable control of some person, or when in lawful hunting, exhibition or field training. (Ord. 1005, 7/14/1986; as amended by Ord. 1265, 9/14/2009)

§2-203. Seizing of Dogs.

Any police officer or dog warden may seize any dog found at large in Borough. Such dogs are to be impounded in a licensed kennel. (Ord. 1005, 7/14/1986)

§2-204. Licensed Dogs. Owners of licensed dogs are to be notified by registered or certified mail, with return receipt, that the dog is impounded and will be disposed of in 5 days if not claimed. Five days after the return receipt has been received, and the dog has not been claimed, the dog may be sold or destroyed in accordance with the 1982 Dog Law. (Ord. 1005, 7/14/1986)

§2-205. Unlicensed Dogs. Unlicensed dogs that are seized are to be held in such kennel for 48 hours and if not claimed may be destroyed in accordance with the 1982 Dog Law. (Ord. 1005, 7/14/1986)

§2-206. Threatening Dogs. Dogs that, in the opinion of any police officer or dog warden, constitutes a threat to public health and welfare may be killed by the police or dog warden. (Ord. 1005, 7/14/1986)

 

§2-207. Penalty. 1. The first time a dog is seized, or the owner otherwise cited under this Part, the owner shall pay a fine of $100 to the Borough of Bristol, as well as reasonable fees for keeping the animal in a kennel. The second time a dog of that owner is seized, or the owner is otherwise cited in this Part, the owner shall pay a fine of $300 to the Borough of Bristol, as well as reasonable fees for keeping the animal in a kennel. [Ord. 1278]

2. Any owner allowing an animal to run at large a third time, or otherwise cited under this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a magisterial district judge in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each Section of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute a separate offense. [Ord. 1295] (Ord. 1005, 7/14/1986; as amended by Ord. 1278, 2/14/2011; and by Ord. 1295, 9/9/2013)