BERMUDA -- Appearing in Magistrates Court this morning [July 24], Kevin Burgess, 33 pleaded guilty to keeping a pit bull that caused damage to a woman passing by on a public road.
He was fined $2,000 and ordered to make restitution of over $800 for the victim’s out-of-pocket expenses.
Senior Magistrate Archie Warner was told that in January 2013, the woman was walking on the public road by Point Mart in Pembroke. She was attacked by a pit bull that, at the time, was on a rope and chain leash that was being held by another man.
The dog bit into her arm and held its grip for some time. The bite perforated her skin, caused bleeding, and required medical attention including regular observation and tetanus shots that extended over weeks. The victim had to take an extended time off work due to the attack.
The Magistrate was also told that the pit bull was finally taken off the woman by the actions of Burgess and his brother who used their hands to force open the dog’s jaws, thus freeing the woman’s arm.
Kevin Burgess told the Magistrate that the dog had since been put down by a veterinarian.
Explaining to the Magistrate, Kevin Burgess said that he had not been aware that the dog was out of his yard. He said: “My boy came and took the dog out of the yard. I didn’t even know it was out of my yard. He washes my car and cuts my grass.”
A second charge of not having a valid licence for the dog was also laid and Kevin Burgess pleaded not guilty to this charge.
Kevin’s brother, Keyvon Burgess, pleaded not guilty to charges of breeding a pit bull without a licence and keeping a pit bull without a licence. Keyvon Burgess was granted bail of $2,000 and goes on trial in September 2013.
(bernews.com - July 24, 2013)
