Dog Attacks, Bites Girl
VALLEY INDEPENDENT, www.PittsburghLive.com
By Jeff Pikulsky
August 6, 2004, BELLE VERNON, PA - Southwest Regional Police Chief John Hartman said a second dog bite case in the borough in the past few weeks has prompted him to take a proactive approach to changing Belle Vernon's animal ordinances.
Hartman said Summer Baumgardner, 9, of 706 Grant St., Belle Vernon, suffered two puncture wounds in her back in a dog attack 4:15 p.m. Tuesday.
Hartman said the girl was visiting a friend at 307 Market St. when a dead bird on the property piqued her curiosity. As she was looking at the bird, a German shepherd-sharpei mix dog that was chained under the porch bit her, Hartman said. She was treated at Monongahela Valley Hospital.
Hartman said the dog was properly restrained. Hartman said he had no information about the dog's whereabouts because the owners, David Douglas Ednie, 47, and Loretta Ednie, 33, have since moved to Madison. He said the Ednie's dog bit someone in North Belle Vernon about six months ago.
Another dog bite occurred in the borough July 24.
Hartman said that before the two recent attacks occurred, he addressed borough council about creating a vicious dog ordinance to add to the borough's leash and license laws.
The chief said the recent instances confirm the need to reinforce his point.
Hartman said he is working with council to review animal laws used in other municipalities.
Jeff Pikulsky can be reached at jpikulsky@tribweb.com.
