Pitbull’s demeanor debated in court
By PATRICK DONLIN pdonlin@sungazette.comArticle Photos
After hearing testimony from several residents on Monday, District Judge James G. Carn will decide by Friday if the defendant, Gary Fike, 31, of 721 Diamond St., is harboring a dangerous dog.
If found guilty of the summary offense filed by the Lycoming County dog law enforcement office, Fike would face a fine of $200 or more, according to Carn.
The hearing revolves around a clash Jan. 10 between the pit bull and a collie that belongs to Georgia Probst, 2409 Dove St.
When the collie was returned to Probst, she said her dog had topical wounds that she thought didn’t require veterinary attention.
Upon being notified by city police On Jan. 11, following residents’ complaints, Scott Shurer, Lycoming County dog law enforcement officer said he spoke with Danielle Dingman, Fike’s wife, at the couple’s residence.
Referring to that interview, Shurer said, “She told me the animal has an aggressive behavior against other animals.”
In court on Monday, however, Dingman said, “There is no way I would have him around my three young children, aged under 5, if I felt he was in any way aggressive.”
She said Shurer advised she should put a fence around her yard.
If an animal enters his yard and an altercation ensues, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Doc is “the attacker,” according to Fike.
Although she didn’t see how the Jan. 10 incident began, Dingman said Doc’s leash apparently broke from the tether.
During his investigation, Shurer learned of additional altercations:
• Carol Wright of 717 Diamond St. reported that her Labrador retriever was involved in a Dec. 22 incident.
• Tom Ross of 726 Pearl St. said his dog had a run-in with the pit bull on July 5.
• Wayne Hamman of 716 Pearl St. said his pit bull-lab mix was injured by Doc on May 5.
Dogs involved in the incidents were described as having punctures, tears and other similar injuries, some needing stitches. None were gravely wounded.
Fike said he agreed to pay for Wright’s veterinary bill in full and half of Hamman’s.
