Auburn dog owner admits to charges in mauling

LEWISTON — An Auburn man whose dog killed a smaller dog last month on an Auburn street was fined on related charges.

Joshua Pratt, 32, of 26 Ipswich St., Auburn admitted in 8th District Court Wednesday to civil charges of dangerous dog complaint violation and allowing a dog to be at large. On the first count, he was fined $500; on the second, $50.

He also was ordered to pay $149.75 as restitution to Heather Burgess, whose miniature schnauzer was mauled by Pratt’s German shepherd mix named Snoop. The smaller dog was being walked on a leash on South Main Street in Auburn when the larger dog was running free at about 6 a.m. on the morning of Oct. 1, police said.

Burgess said the 11-pound schnauzer died in her arms on the street corner.

A judge ordered that Snoop be “permanently confined in a secure enclosure … at all times except when necessary to obtain veterinary care for the dog or to comply with court orders.” The order said Pratt’s dog must be muzzled and on a leash no longer than 3 feet when not confined.

Pratt could be charged criminally with a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail, if he were to refuse to comply with the judge’s order.

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This miniature schnauzer was mauled by a German shepherd mix on Oct. 1. The owner of the bigger dog admitted to related charges and was fined. (WGME-TV, Channel 13 photo)

This miniature schnauzer was mauled by a German shepherd mix on Oct. 1. The owner of the bigger dog admitted to related charges and was fined. (WGME-TV, Channel 13 photo)