NEBRASKA -- A 6-year-old La Vista girl is recovering from a severe dog bite. The neighbor and pet owner has been cited for having a dangerous dog. However, the girl’s mother said she’s not angry with the dog owner.
The girl had reached over a back yard fence to pet the dog last weekend. The Nebraska Humane Society issued a ticket to Robert Mattox, but did not seize the 15-month-old Rottweiler. The dog was licensed and had all its shots.
However, due to the severity of the bite on the girl’s arm, the Humane Society issued a misdemeanor citation. Humane Society vice president Mark Langan said the seriousness of the bite could not be ignored.
He said the dog's jaw had to be pried open from the girl’s arm and the dog then grabbed at the child’s coat. The girl’s mother told Channel 6 News the child is recovering at home and is dong fine. The dog owner told Channel 6 News the Rottweiler had never been aggressive before and neighbors often played with the pet.
Now he’s not sure what to do with the young dog. The one attack may jeopardize his homeowner’s insurance and the city of La Vista could take action under a dangerous ordinance. The Humane Society will recommend to a judge that the owner must use an outdoor kennel when letting the dog outside.
The ticket carries a $500 fine and a six-month jail sentence.
(WOWT - Mar 21, 2013)
