A Pennsylvania man who allegedly allowed his two dogs to roam freely, resulting in three separate attacks on domesticated animals, has been charged with failing to register or restrain the canines.
Justin Weisend of Hempfield Township is also charged with attacks by a dangerous dog and failing to confine the dogs to his property. All charges are misdemeanors.
Earlier this month, Weisends dogs, an American Pit Bull Terrier and a mixed breed allegedly killed at least six of eight pet rabbits that were housed in cages in a barn owned by a Hempfield Township couple. It was the third alleged or confirmed attack by the dogs since last October.
According to court documents, last Halloween, Weisends APBT allegedly attacked another dog as it was being walked by its owner and her daughters. And a week earlier, on Oct. 23, both dogs are said to have attacked two goats belonging to a Hempfield Township couple. One goat was killed, and the other broke free and ran away.
The two dogs had been legally declared dangerous following hearings in October and December. According to Pennsylvania law, if a dog is declared dangerous and is later involved in another attack, it can be impounded and euthanized.
Weisends preliminary hearing on the charges is scheduled for May 12.
Posted: April 17, 2006, 5 a.m. EST