On the positive note, the community won its May 18 case presented at the Criminal Justice Center. The pit bulls must be muzzled and kept on a leash whenever walking in the neighborhood.
Conversely, the Mount Airy residents are preparing to return to the Court of Common Pleas for an appeal scheduled for Monday, June 27, at 9:30 p.m.
For community advocate Michael Kleiner, this means those who attended the first trial will once again make a trek from Northwest Philadelphia to Center City to plead their case.
“We hope that Ada Brooks is found guilty again,” Kleiner said. “We feel confident we will win again because she has not complied with the original verdict. She has not kept the dogs on a leash. The dogs were spotted being without the muzzles.
“Brooks had the right to appeal, but did not specify a reason. Even though she has appealed, she is still requited to have the dogs muzzled and leashed in public. So, she was served on Saturday [May 28] that the dogs will be seized if she didn’t. ACCT [Animal Care & Control Team] will be returning to photograph the dogs,” Kleiner said.
So, Kleiner said he hopes the situation is finally put to rest at the end of June.
“The neighbors have been watching the case closely. The thing that we are looking towards is the healing that must come. We still have to live together as neighbors,” he said.
Among those who attended the May trail were Dr. Michelle Nashleanas, who was bitten by one of the pit bulls in November of 2013. Barbara Patrizzi and her dog were bitten in March of last year. Additionally, Robert Mida was bitten last February. So, after the first trial, a Dangerous Dog Order was sent to the dog owner.
“The order clarifies for you that both of your dogs have been determined, and agreed to pay Mr. Mida and Ms. Patruzzi,” said Barbara R. Paul, the assistant district attorney, in a May 19 correspondence. “Please review the order carefully. If you are found to be in violation of the conditions of the order, you can and will be arrested for a misdemeanor charge and your dogs can be seized and humanely euthanized.
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| Injury to Pashi Mida's leg after she was attacked by both of Ada Brooks' pit bulls |
“I have been advised that you walked your dogs this morning without muzzles. I encourage you to fully comply with the Court’s Order to avoid further criminal charges,” Paul said.
Kleiner pointed to the details of the “proper enclosure of a dangerous dog” attachment to the order. It states dangerous dogs must be kept confined. This means they are to be kept either indoors or in a “securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the entry of young children and domestic animals and designed to prevent the dangerous dog from escaping.”
Additionally, this enclosure must have a secure top. If it does not have a bottom, it must be secured on all sides and “be embedded at least two feet into the ground.”
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| One of two pit bulls that Mount Airy neighbors claim has them living in fear barks from its owner's porch. Photo: Thom Carroll, PhillyVoice |
Furthermore, dangerous dogs must be carry a $50,000 insurance policy each year. The owner must pay an annual dangerous dog registration fee of $500. There is a $500 fine for violating this.
“She was already served,” Kleiner said.
Being bitten by a pit bull and having to pay medical costs associated with it also happened in other parts of Northwest Philadelphia.
Carolyn Wilson and her daughter, Miranda Johnson, were bitten by neighborhood pit bulls near their 78th Street and Ogontz Avenue home two years ago. They continue to suffer from the fears and financial ramifications of the biting.
Johnson was in touch with Kleiner and attended community meetings in West Mount Airy after reading about the dilemma there.
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| Mount Airy resident Pashi Mida says she was bitten by two pit bulls after stepping outside her house into this alleyway, which runs behind the houses on the 100 block of West Sedgwick Street. Photo: Thom Carroll |
“I think there has to be something in place that forces homeowners to maintain their insurance,” said Wilson, who had to pay unexpected medical bills as a result of being bitten by a dangerous dog.
“[Before] they could have these pit bulls and they attack people, and we cannot be compensated. I think it is unfair for me or my family to get bit by the pit bull owner’s [negligence] and then have to pay for doctor’s bills,” Wilson said.
Police reports were filed for Wilson’s attack back in March 2014. At that time, the only suggestion she received from the 14th Police District was to hire an attorney and sue the homeowner who had the pit bulls, according to Wilson.
So, Wilson is following the West Mount Airy case closely.
“I hope that all owners of these types of dogs gets the message,” Wilson said.
(Montgomery Newspaper - June 12, 2016)
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