PENBROOK, Pa. — A Penbrook woman has been charged with multiple offenses after repeatedly failing to secure her two pit bulls, which have been involved in several dangerous incidents, including an attack that left a woman hospitalized.
Diana Lopez faces charges under Pennsylvania’s Dog Law, including harboring a dangerous dog, dogs running at large, rabies vaccine violations, and dog license violations. Authorities say Lopez ignored multiple warnings regarding her dogs escaping her property and running loose.
On January 20, one of the dogs nearly bit a Penbrook police officer attempting to capture it. Weeks later, on February 3, a woman was attacked by one of the dogs, suffering serious injuries that required hospital treatment. Because Lopez had not provided rabies vaccination records, the victim had to undergo rabies prevention treatment.
Despite being cited, Lopez failed to take corrective action. On February 8, her dogs escaped again, cornering two children who defended themselves with sticks. Lopez was charged again for failing to secure the dogs and comply with muzzling requirements.
The situation escalated further on February 19 when the pit bulls were seen running in traffic. Officers attempted to capture them, and one of the dogs acted aggressively, prompting an officer to use pepper spray in self-defense. The animals were eventually secured and are now in a shelter.
Pennsylvania law mandates that dogs be under reasonable control when not confined, and Penbrook Borough Ordinance prohibits dogs from running at large. Lopez is expected to face additional charges following the latest incident.