Dog owners charged in attack

   MAPLETON, Maine – A local man was seriously injured Friday when he was attacked by two dogs as he walked along the State Road.
     “On March 9 at approximately 1 p.m. two pit bulls attacked 66-year-old Galen Smith as he walked on the State Road in Mapleton,” said Sgt. Julie Bergan of the Maine State Police.
According to Bergan’s statement, Smith received extensive injuries to his face and arms. Officials at The Aroostook Medical Center could not confirm whether Smith had been treated at the facility or not.
No other information was available on the victim’s status at this time.
The owners of the dogs were identified as 24-year-old Tyler Dennett and 19-year-old Melanie McLaughlin, both of Mapleton. Dennett and McLaughlin were charged with owning a dangerous dog, dog at large and failure to license a dog. An April 4 arraignment in Presque Isle District Court has been scheduled.
The dogs are currently under quarantine at the Central Aroostook Humane Society in Presque Isle.
No information was available on whether the dogs were up to date on their shots or whether Smith would require preventative medical measures in the meantime.
Animal Control Officer Robert McCurry, of Mapleton, received assistance from Trooper Daniel Deschaine during the investigation.