PENNSYLVANIA -- Bethlehem police seized and destroyed a pit bull Tuesday morning after the dog bit a baby and the animal-control officer investigating the case.
As it turned out, the baby and officer were the dog's ninth and 10th victims.
Its owner, Maria Cruz, 31, of Freemansburg, was cited for harboring a dangerous dog and a license violation, police said.
The incident happened at 1319 Elayne St., police said. Police said the dog hadn't been seized earlier because only one of the earlier incidents had been reported to authorities — a year ago.
The animal-control officer interviewed neighbors and learned of the other cases, said Bethlehem Health Bureau Director Kristen Wenrich.
"He found out about a mailman and several neighbors, including children, who'd been bitten," she said.
None of the previous incidents caused serious injury, though in one case a child sought treatment from a school nurse.
The officer seized the dog, deeming it an aggressive animal with a propensity to attack, Wenrich said.
The dog was destroyed and is being sent for rabies testing, though its vaccinations appeared to be up to date.
Wenrich said the bureau encourages residents to report bites to authorities.
(mcall.com - June 26, 2013)
