Easton resident Laini Abraham said her dog was attacked by four dogs in the park and bitten in the neck by one on March 22. Her boyfriend was bitten on the hand breaking up the incident, she said.
The incident got the attention of Mayor Sal Panto Jr., who called for an increased presence of police and animal control officers at the park and signs warning dog owners to keep aggressive dogs away.
Police Chief Carl Scalzo said Tuesday there isn't enough evidence to warrant criminal charges, although Abraham can file a private criminal complaint if she wants.
It's very difficult to prove a dog was aggressive, he said. Often the police need to show a pattern of behavior, but it comes down to witnesses' recollection of what happened against that of the defendant.
A police report of the incident remains on file in the event the dog is involved in a future incident, the chief said.
Abraham said she will pursue a private complaint. She previously said she thinks some of the dogs should probably be removed from the owners' custody.
"People need to know that they're using the park at your own risk, because based on this experience, if something bad happens, you're pretty much on your own and that's the very disappointing reality," Abraham said.
She said Boomer is recovering well. Abraham said he was bitten on the neck and pulled on as though he were in a tug of war. His thick fur saved him from serious injury, she said.
Her boyfriend, however, was admitted to Easton Hospital on Tuesday with an infection in his hand.
He's been treated with intravenous antibiotics and Abraham suspects his condition is the result of the dog bite.
"Very frustrating experience all around," Abraham said.
(lehighvalleylive.com - April 7, 2015)
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