Man injured in attack by pit bull, Rottweiler

9/4/2003

A West Toledo man walking on the sidewalk along Jackman Road was attacked yesterday by a pit bull and a Rottweiler that escaped from a nearby residence, Toledo police said.

Ralph Laberdee, 69, of the 3800 block of Jackman, was treated at Toledo Hospital for cuts to his wrist and abdomen during the 10:30 a.m. attack in front of 4228 Jackman, about a block from Longfellow Elementary School.

The dogs are owned by Kathy Petty and Robert Foster, both of 4228 Jackman, whom police intend to cite for failure to confine a vicious dog, a fourth-degree felony.

When police and Lucas County Dog Warden officials arrived, the people inside the residence refused to open the door.

Police obtained a search warrant and entered the house about 1 p.m. Two men and a girl were inside.

The male pit bull and female Rottweiler were found inside two closets. Dog Warden Tom Skeldon said his office took the aggressive canines and will hold them for a 10-day quarantine period and probably until a judge decides what to do with them.

Police also seized three shotguns, a rifle, and a dart gun from the closets, gang task force Detective Doug Allen said.

Mr. Skeldon said the pit bull, which is registered to Mr. Foster, has a record of receiving shots. His office couldn't find license information on the Rottweiler.