Posted on: Sunday, March 2, 2003

Maui man charged in dog attack

Associated Press

WAILUKU, Maui — A Maui man whose dog attacked a 5-year-old boy has been charged with violating a law that subjects dog owners to a fine if a dog running loose attacks a person or another animal.

Robert Gaoiran of Kihei is scheduled to appear in Wailuku District Court on March 13. If convicted, he could be fined up to $500.

Family members say Trevor Sifton was walking on a sidewalk to his home when a mixed-breed pit bull bit his left arm, right calf and the right side of his face on Jan. 27.

The boy's mother says the dog jumped a 4-foot fence to get at the child.

The dog was destroyed by the Maui Humane Society on Jan. 29.