Girl-attacking dog owners to be charged

PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) - The owners of two pit bulls that attacked a young girl Tuesday afternoon will face charges related to the incident.

Salvatore Pizzo was expected to be charged with a felony dangerous animal charge and two misdemeanors because his dog was running at large and unlicensed. His dog, named "Lucky," remained quarantined at the Kent County Animal Shelter Thursday afternoon and is believed to have caused the bite injuries in the attack.

Another man faced only two misdemeanor charges because his dog was apparently less active in the attack. He will be charged because his dog was running loose and unlicensed as well. This dog was returned to its owner after he paid fines and costs.

Paytan Wiersum was injured after the two dogs attacked her in her front yard Tuesday the day before her 9th birthday. She was taken to the hospital and treated for more than a dozen bite wounds. Her injuries required about 30 stitches.

Lisa LaPlante -- a spokesperson for the Kent County Health Department, which oversees animal control -- could not release the name of the suspects because they hadn't yet been formally charged, but Pizzo identified himself as Lucky's owner and spoke to 24 Hour News 8 the day the attacks occurred.

"I don't think it was on purpose," Pizzo said, adding that he was sorry about what happened. "I think it was an accident."

Animal control officials say there's a lesson to be learned from this situation.

"The biggest message is anybody who owns a dog should make sure they have a leash.... and don't forget to license... It's the law," LaPlante said.

It is not clear when the suspects will be formally charged in court.