Wayne Perry, 44, suffered six bites, the worst on his left forearm, where four stitches held the wound closed last night. He said he initially thought the dogs were at-large and he could catch them.
“I stopped, hoping I could catch them. They wouldn’t stop biting me, so I jumped into Domino’s Pizza,” Perry said in an interview.” It was crazy. It was nuts.”
Police yesterday said the owners surrendered the more aggressive of the two dogs to police custody.
Animal Control Officer Neal Vogler will investigate and determine whether the dog should be sent to a new home or destroyed, said police Lt. Jim Soucy.
Vogler has issued at least one vicious-dog citation in the case, but Soucy was unclear of the details last night.
Police have identified the two owners as Deeanna Hennessey and Jennifer Caterino, both of 244 Lowell St., Apt. 1. Neighbors have said the two dogs have gotten loose before, Soucy said.
He said police have a big concern about loose pit bulls in a neighborhood full of children.
“It appears the dogs immediately keyed in on him (Perry),” Soucy said.
“He was lucky to escape. I’m could have been much worse. There are a number of children in the area; I don’t think they would be as lucky,” Soucy said.
Soucy said the surrendered dog was the more aggressive of the two, and the owners said the dogs was a new addition to the home. The other dog was released to the owners, and they will keep the animal quarantined for 10 days, as required by state law, Soucy said.
He said Vogler is working to straighten out the dogs’ licensure and vaccinations.
As for Perry, he was walking around Wednesday and putting the matter behind him. He said he’s told the police he loves animals and doesn’t want either put down.
He dismisses his friends’ suggestion that he sue the owners.
“Everyone’s hurting nowadays,” said the restaurant dishwasher and part-time store clerk. All he wants are his medical bills paid.
“I really can’t blame the dogs. I really can’t blame the owners,” he said.
“Some dogs have temperamental problems you’ll never get rid of.”
(New Hampshire Union Leader - Sept 1, 2011)
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