NEBRASKA -- An Arlington woman who was caring for a pit bull when it bit a 10-year-old boy has been cited for violating the village's ordinance banning the breed.
Anna Brahatcek was cited Aug. 23, Washington County Sheriff Mike Robinson said. She had previously been cited for dog at-large.
A village ordinance states it is unlawful for residents to keep, shelter or harbor any animal exhibiting pit bull or wolf-hybrid characteristics.
Aiden Borhart was riding his bicycle in the area of 11th and Dodge streets Aug. 13 when he was bitten by the dog. His mother, Cheryl Borhart, said her son was on his way to the Arlington pool when a small dog began chasing him.
A short time later, a larger dog she identified as a pit bull began chasing him. It bit Aiden on the left thigh, causing a large gash.
Aiden was treated at Fremont Health Medical Center, where he received 24 stitches.
The dog was immediately put into a rabies quarantine by Dr. Kent Rohrig at Rohrig Animal Hospital in Arlington. It was euthanized Aug. 24.
Brahatcek, manager of the veterinary clinic, told deputies she was fostering the dog until it could be adopted.
Borhart and her boyfriend, Jeff Hasenauer, asked the village to enforce its ordinance during its Aug. 15 meeting. The couple lodged a complaint with the village on another resident, whom village officials did not identify, that the couple believe “own” a pit bull.
Village Clerk Linda Douglas said a certified letter was sent to that resident informing them of the complaint and informing them they must remove the dog from the village if it is indeed a pit bull. A copy of the ordinance was also included with the letter.
“People don't always know their (dog's) breeds,” Douglas said.
The village does not have any record showing the resident owns a dog. However, Douglas said the dog might be licensed.
Once the village receives notice that the resident received the letter, they will refer the issue to the sheriff for follow-up.
(Pilot Tribune & Enterprise - Aug 29, 2016)
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