Saturday, December 13, 2008

Maine: Mary Smith, 44, charged after her three pit bulls attack jogger

MAINE -- A Littleton woman was charged Thursday evening with keeping dangerous dogs after three pit bulls attacked a runner in an incident near the dog owner’s home.

State police Sgt. David McPherson said Friday that the victim of the attack, 41-year-old Angela Ewings, was running on Carmichael Road when the dogs reportedly attacked her.

McPherson said Ewings received numerous puncture wounds to her hands, arms and legs.

During the attack, the owner of the dogs, 44-year-old Mary Smith, says she tried to stop them but could not control the animals.

VICTIM SAYS PIT BULL OWNER REFUSED TO HELP HER

Ewings told police she repeatedly asked Smith to call 911 but Smith allegedly refused. Ewings then tried to get into a car that was in the yard but the doors were locked and Smith allegedly would not unlock the doors.

The sergeant said Ewings ran approximately a half-mile to the next house to get medical help.

She was taken by Houlton Ambulance to Houlton Regional Hospital to be treated for her injuries.

McPherson said police are continuing their investigation into the incident and expect a review by the district attorney for possible additional charges.

Smith is scheduled to appear in court Feb. 3. The three pit bulls have been quarantined.

Trooper Carman Lilley is the primary investigator with assistance from Littleton Animal Control Officer Randy Schools.

(Bangor Daily News - Dec 12, 2008)