The dog was quarantined for 10 days, according to shelter records. Rocco was initially quarantined at home, according to the animal control officer’s report. The dog was euthanized after the quarantine ended, Norton said.
Once the department completed its investigation into the alleged bite incident, Rocco’s owner, Ramel Burton of Ringgold, was cited for an unprovoked attack and for failing to properly register his dog with the county. Burton might also be ordered to pay restitution. Animal control had amended the original citation that initially charged Burton with a provoked attack, public nuisance and a potentially dangerous dog.
“Major medical bills will be involved in processing this case; current and possible future surgeries may be involved,” the amended citation reads.
Burton has a court date of April 24.
Jackie Eaves of Ringgold said Burton’s dog bit her son, Tanner Eaves, on the face and groin. The grade-schooler had to have surgery for the groin injury, his mother said. Tanner’s doctors said the boy has a 50-50 chance of fathering children someday, according to Eaves.
Rocco was on a dog runner (attached by a leash to a line) when the attack occurred, according to the animal control officer’s report.
Rocco’s alleged attack on the little boy was not the dog’s first run-in with the law.
Burton’s dog was involved in a previous bite incident last October, according to Catoosa County Magistrate Court records. Two girls, ages 11 and 13, were reportedly walking in the Ringgold High School parking lot when Rocco attacked them. Burton lives across from the school.
Animal control then cited Burton on two counts of unprovoked attack for allowing his dog to roam and for an expired rabies tag. Burton pleaded guilty and paid Magistrate Court $125 in restitution and $40 in court costs late last November.
(Rome News Tribune - April 6, 2012)
Earlier:
