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Animal Law Keyed to Wagman
Commonwealth v. Comella
Citation:
735 A.2d 738 (1999)Facts
On January 4, 1998, Sandra Comella was walking her two dogs when she stopped by her house to dispose of refuse. She dropped one dog’s leash, allowing the dog to run free. At that time, Mary Jo Salmen, Comella’s neighbor, was walking her dog nearby. Comella’s unleashed dog ran toward and attacked Salmen’s dog, inflicting serious injuries including puncture wounds to the chest, back, hindquarters, nose, and tail. Salmen’s dog required surgery, at least ten stitches, pain medication, and antibiotics, with veterinary costs totaling $287.35. Animal control officer John Decker cited Comella for harboring a dangerous dog under Section 502-A of the Dog Law. During trial testimony, Comella admitted her dog had previously bitten another dog in October 1997.
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