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Marc Giauque reportingA woman in park city could face assault charges after police say she hit the man who sprayed her unleashed dog with pepper spray.
Bob Berube says the animal was running at him while he and his girlfriend were on a trail at City Park, near Miners Hospital. He says he sprayed pepper spray at the animal only after it got within inches.
After that, Berube claims the dog's owner accosted him, even punching him in the ribs.
Berube told KSL Newsradio, "She said, ‘You ask anybody in the neighborhood and they'll tell you that my dog is the most gentle dog.' My response was, ‘How am I supposed to know that?'"
Berube insists he's within his rights. He says he shouldn't have to wait until a dog is attacking him before he defends himself.
This is not the first time Berube has sprayed a dog with pepper spray.
Police say there was another case back in March, and Berube says there have been several other instances.
Summit County has a law requiring all animals to be leashed in public places. City prosecutors are looking at the case.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
