Friday, May 31, 2013

Men charged in Lima Riverwalk dog attack

OHIO -- Two men have been charged in the Lima Rotary Riverwalk dog attack that occurred last month.

Charges have been filed against Derek Reid and Aarion Smith, both of Lima, who had each registered a Cane Corso dog with the Allen County Dog Warden in 2012. The two dogs attacked a man on the riverwalk in April.

“These were who they were licensed to in 2012, and no one else came forward,” said Julie Shellhammer, Allen County Dog Warden.

Reid registered the black dog, which was fatally shot during the incident. The tan Cane Corso, belonging to Smith, remains in quarantine at the pound. There is a chance the dog may have to be put to sleep if it isn’t claimed.

Thirty-year-old Dominique Badea was severely injured April 15 by two Cane Corso dogs on the Lima Rotary Riverwalk. Badea, of Lima, was injured in both legs, both arms and his face but was expected to recover.

Reid and Smith face misdemeanor charges, including failure to confine and failure to register. If a citation cannot be delivered to them, they will be issued a summons, which requires a court appearance.

“We’re trying to make the best determination of the legal owner,” Shellhammer said.

(LimaOhio.com - May 30, 2013)

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