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Neighborhood dog attacks Palm Harbor teen

Early edition: Officials say this is not the first time the dog has bitten someone.

By Tamara El-Khoury
Published December 11, 2006

PALM HARBOR — A teenager was treated for several dog bites Sunday after she was attacked by a a pit bull mix in her neighborhood.

Kristin Dub, 16, was treated for non-life threatening wounds to her arms, legs and lower back, according to Pinellas County sheriff’s officials.

The 50-pound dog named Junior attacked Kristin about 4 p.m. near 1500 16th St. Deputies responded and tried to use a Taser to subdue Junior, but only one of the device’s two probes hit him.The dog threatened other people before running back home through an open door to 1314 16th St. Deputies shut the dog in and called Pinellas County Animal Services.

Junior, who is neutered, has a prior record, county officials said Monday. In August 2005, it bit a family member, according to Dr. Kenny Mitchell, director of the county animal services department.

The dog has been seized by animal services. It may be destroyed if Kristin’s injuries are considered a severe injury, meaning the attack resulted in multiple bites, broken bones or cuts requiring plastic surgery, Mitchell said.

Mitchell is waiting on Kristin’s medical report. The dog’s owner has also been contacted and can submit a statement.

The owner could be cited with a public nuisance violation, Mitchell said. A Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman said no charges had been filed as of Monday morning.

Times staff writer Tamara El-Khoury can be reached at tel-khoury@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4181.

[Last modified December 11, 2006, 12:14:41]