MICHIGAN -- The owner of two pit bulldogs that attacked three people in Buchanan last month pleaded guilty Tuesday to two counts of allowing a dog to run at large.
Meanwhile, Buchanan officials are still considering an ordinance to help prevent such attacks.
Heather Marie Pruett, 33, of North Hamilton in western Niles Township was arraigned Sept. 29 on the two dog at-large charges. She is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 26 in Niles.
The attacks occurred over the space of several hours Sept. 10 at two locations. Doyle Vergon and his dog were attacked early in the day downtown. Two young men happened by and rescued Vergon and his dog and chased the dogs away.
Vergon is a former Buchanan city manager and commissioner.
Ann Desenberg was attacked outside her house on River Street as was her brother, retired attorney Lou Desenberg, who came to her aid. Both needed surgery for their wounds.
The dogs were captured by Buchanan police and taken to the Berrien County Animal Shelter. They were put down Sept. 20 after a quarantine period.
Pruett is free on bond. Her bond conditions include not being in possession of a dog or living where a dog is present. Court records indicate Pruett may have to pay a substantial amount of restitution.
Vergon in late September said veterinarian bills exceeded $400, and the Desenbergs said they were unable to calculate medical bills because treatment includes skin grafts.
Buchanan City Manager William Marx said the City Commission has been debating what to do since and has gathered public comment at two commission meetings in September.
Commissioners are expected to discuss the matter at its workshop meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at City Hall.
(Herald Palladium - Oct 12, 2011)
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