DOWNINGTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) — A Downingtown dog owner is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday after recent dog attacks sent two people to the hospital, including a 4-year-old boy whose mother says he no longer feels safe in his own neighborhood.
Downingtown police said the November attack on the child was the most severe.
“Physically, he’s scarred. He’s scarred really badly. Emotionally, no, he’s not doing well. He’s a 4-year-old who’s been drug across a yard by a dog; he’s terrified,” said the boy’s mother, Whitley Coggins.
A hearing will determine the owner’s guilt or innocence for harboring a dangerous dog. Chief Brendan Brazunas described the hearing as the first step in what could be a lengthy process.
Photos provided by Coggins showed injuries she says her son suffered to his arm after being attacked.
“My son was playing in our backyard and the dogs ran out of her home. One of them jumped my fence and ran after him and attacked him and drug him through the yard by his arm,” she said.
Her husband, Chris Coggins, said safety has become a daily concern.
“The dogs need to be removed. There’s dangerous dogs there. The neighborhood’s not safe. My kids aren’t safe,” he said.
Police said the same dog attacked again in late January, injuring a tow truck driver in a less severe incident.
In both cases, the dog was quarantined in the home and dangerous dog charges were filed.
After multiple continuances, a hearing in the Coggins case is set for Thursday. If the owner is found guilty, they will have 30 days to comply with dangerous dog requirements and may appeal the ruling.
At Wednesday’s borough council meeting, Chief Brazunas said additional action could be taken if those conditions are not met.
“We’ve been in contact with the SPCA and the DA’s office to make sure that we start making progress on this incident,” Brazunas said.
Sara Smith, spokesperson for the Brandywine Valley SPCA, issued the following statement to Action News regarding the investigation:
“In Pennsylvania, all dangerous dog investigations are led by local or state police or the dog warden. The Brandywine Valley SPCA’s role would be to assist as needed for unrelated citations, and state-mandated quarantine needs. The BVSPCA is assisting the Downingtown Police Department in this case and has issued citations for lack of rabies vaccines and proper dog licensing. We will continue to support the police with any needs that arise related to the investigation and case.”
Brazunas said there were also incidents involving the same dog owner in the summer of 2024 and others dating back to 2022, adding that additional cases may have gone unreported.
“This can’t continue, my kids can’t go outside and play,” Whitley Coggins said.
“Nobody wants to walk their pets, none of the kids want to get off the bus and walk down our street. The mail guy doesn’t want to come, nobody wants to come where we live. We need our street to be safe,” Coggins added.
Officials said the goal is to ensure residents feel safe in their neighborhood.
Attempts to reach the dog’s owner by phone on Wednesday were unsuccessful, and police said they have received limited cooperation.
The hearing is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday.
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