For almost two hours on Friday, a packed courtroom anxiously awaited the judge's decision.
Lois and David Castonguay got the answer they hoped for in the afternoon.
"We are relieved. We are excited. We are pleased that Judge Showalter deemed Oliver the dog dangerous, and not vicious. We can't wait to get Oliver home,” said David Castonguay.
For the first time we heard from the victims, who were bit back in April. Neighbors and Mrs. Castonguay also took the stand, followed by animal behaviorist Dr. Jackson Savage, who says when he saw Oliver last week he showed no signs of aggression.
"I am glad we are dangerous instead of vicious, obviously because that means his life is saved. Brings a lot of responsibility, but I think the Castonguay’s are dedicated to following every order,” said Dr. Savage.
During closing arguments, Commonwealth Attorney Chris Rehak said it is his job to ensure the public is safe. Rehak said after the Judge’s ruling he will follow that commitment, and will keep his fingers crossed that this doesn’t happen again.
"We are going to do everything we can to make sure he (Oliver) has a full and happy life, and that the community is a safe place, with him in it,” says David Castonguay.
In order to prevent any further incidents, the Castonguays's must comply with Virginia Code guidelines within 10 days:
- They need a dangerous dog certificate and dog tag, which Oliver has to always wear
- Oliver will also be micro-chipped or tattooed as a dangerous dog
- Oliver needs to be listed on the dangerous dog registry with the Commonwealth of Virginia
- At home, a sign must be posted on the property saying there is a dangerous dog
- Oliver must be kept to a confined area. Should he ever leave he must be muzzled, should he run away animal control must be contacted immediately.
As the Castonguay's work to get all of this taken care of, they can't wait to bring Oliver home.
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