WASHINGTON -- The owner of a pit bull in Clarkston may face two infractions and a misdemeanor and be required to maintain safeguards under a "biting dog" procedure, according to the county prosecutor.
The dog, Kilo, was shot by a Clarkston police officer last week and is currently recovering from the wounds. The dog allegedly charged at a detective, growling and baring its teeth, prior to the shooting.
After reviewing the reports, Prosecutor Ben Nichols determined there was no clear violation of state law, but several city of Clarkston ordinances may have been, he said in a letter to the city attorney.
A running-at- large law and a requirement for dogs to be leashed appear to have been violated, Nichols said. In addition, the owner could be cited for keeping a dog that "bites or attempts to bite, charges, snaps or growls at any person." The misdemeanor offense is punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The city should initiate the "biting dog" procedures described in the code, Nichols advised. If the dog is found to be a biting dog under this procedure, the owner will be required to maintain significant safeguards to prevent recurrence and compensate future victims.
This afternoon city attorney Todd Richardson said he plans to ask Nichols to move forward with the recommended charges.
(The Lewiston Tribune - July 30, 2012)
