MAINE -- A Maine woman is facing local charges after her pit bull attacked a person and another dog near Jenness State Beach last week.
According to the public police log, Laura Rohrer, 28, of 48 Mountain Road, Biddeford, was charged Oct. 1 with four violation-level offenses for violating the town dog ordinance. Two of the charges were for a vicious dog and two were for a nuisance dog at large.
According to Police Chief Kevin Walsh, an officer was dispatched to Cable Road Extension at 7:07 a.m. Oct. 1 after receiving a call about a dog biting a person. Walsh said it appeared the dog did "nip" a person but that no one was seriously injured.
While speaking with the dog's owner, the officer witnessed the unleashed dog go after another dog in the area, the chief said.
Walsh said it appeared Rohrer was intoxicated and had fallen asleep on the beach, and that when people began arriving for morning jogs or to walk their dogs, her pit bull became aggressive.
Walsh and a third officer went to the beach to assist with detaining the dog while the first officer sent to the beach dealt with the intoxicated woman, Walsh said. She was taken into protective custody for alcoholism and was later released to a friend, he said.
Following the incident, the chief said police required that the dog be placed in quarantine for 10 days and Rohrer must follow up with a checkup with a veterinarian. He said police would be checking to ensure Rohrer followed the conditions.
Pit bulls receive much attention as an aggressive breed, but Walsh said responsibility falls on the owner for knowing how the dog will respond when surrounded by unfamiliar people.
"Pet owners have got to know their pets and know what their limitations are," he said. "If the dog doesn't have a good temperament, put it on a leash."
Rohrer's charges are punishable by fines. Walsh said she is due in court at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 15.
(Seacoastonline.com - Oct 9, 2012)
