A dog considered a dangerous dog has been returned to his owner and the family of the boy he attacked is not happy about it.
Kendra Smith said she is bothered knowing the dog that attacked her 6-year-old son is back in their Holiday neighborhood.
“They know it’s a dangerous dog. Then why is it living across the street,” Smith questioned.
Marty O’Keeffe, a rabies officer for Pasco County, said the dog that attacked Christopher Ohrmund is a pure bred bulldog called Bruno. He said the owner did not challenge their findings and has accepted full responsibility, which means now his dog is deemed a dangerous dog.
O’Keefe said it could mean tougher punishments on the owner, if something similar happens. For example, if Bruno attacks another person the owner could face a misdemeanor or felony charge.
The owner now has to follow a number of strict guidelines, which includes annual inspections, the dog has to be muzzled if Bruno is in a public area, and if Bruno escapes the owner could be fined.
“This is a responsibility that this pet owner is willing to basically put everything on line for because he feels like he can securely keep his dog there,” O’Keeffe said.
The owner has added locks to the gate as well. Smith does not feel comforted by any of it.
“I understand what they’re doing inside their house -where they’re safe with their kids with the dog- but outside of the house, there is always a chance he can get out,” Smith said.
According to O’Keeffe, Christopher Ohrmund is the second child Bruno attacks in less than a year. Smith said she had no idea about that other attack until today. O’Keeffe said Christopher Ohrmund’s case was more severe than the first one.
“He already bit someone before and it progressed. Look what he did the second time. So what’s the third time going to be,” Smith said.
O’Keeffe said they thoroughly investigated this case. He said the two attacks were the only two times anyone has complained about Bruno. He said they will follow-up with any issues, if people contact them.
“My whole thing is what if there is a next time,” Smith said.
ABC Action News spoke to Bruno’s owner off camera. He said he has moved past the incident; he didn’t want to comment. He added he is glad his dog is back home.
According to O’Keeffe, Bruno is the first dog considered a dangerous dog in the county in the last 9 years.
