Authorities say a Culpeper woman has come forward as the owner of two pit bulls that attacked and injured a 3-year-old boy and his 47-year-old grandmother Wednesday morning.
The Star-Exponent learned Friday that Jamie Whitmer appeared at the county animal shelter to identify the two male pit bulls.
County Animal Services Director Jamie Bennett said that Whitmer has signed over custody of the animals to the county.
Friday afternoon, a man who answered the door at the residence expressed sympathy and shock at what happened, but said they were too upset and distraught to make any further statements at this time. The home is about six miles from the scene of the attacks.
Following a required 10-day quarantine, Bennett said the dogs will be euthanized. She explained that because the owner has given up custody, no further legal action concerning the dogs is needed.
Bennett said it is not clear if or when charges might be filed. She said there is no record of any animal-related charges against the owner. By law, Bennett said, owners must first receive a warning before being issued a citation.
“If the dogs had previously deemed dangerous by a court, then there would be a possibility for criminal charges,” Bennett said by e-mail. “This is not the case in this situation.”
A less severe category for problem animals, a dog declared dangerous by the court must be registered with officials. Owners must also take out an insurance policy and ensure the dog wears special identification.
Authorities and witnesses say Tammy Powers and her grandson Hunter Ryder were walking near their home in the 21000 block of Mount Pony Road when the animals attacked.
Emergency workers on the scene credited the woman with saving the boy’s life by attempting to shield him from the dogs.
Both were flown to the University of Virginia Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
Powers was released after an overnight stay; the child was still hospitalized as of Thursday night.
A hospital spokeswoman said that U.Va. policy prevents the release of information concerning juvenile patients.
Family members have declined to comment.
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