Second arrest in pit bulldog attack

(From Steve W Stewart/KJAS) The Jasper County Sheriff's Department has made a second arrest in a case of a pit bull dog attack in the Kirbyville area.

Amanda Byrd, 21, wife of 26 year old Ricky Byrd, was arrested on Wednesday and Investigator Bob Walker said she will be charged with attack by dog, a 3rd degree felony. Ricky Byrd was arrested in the days following the attack and he also faces the same charge.

Deputies say the Byrds went to the Belli Deli Bar-B-Q on Highway 96 just south of Kirbyville on February 17 and for some reason brought their pit bull dog to the front door of the restaurant. Restaurant owner Pat Sorensen, 61, opened the door and the dog attacked her, severely injuring her face. Sorensen has since undergone extensive medical treatment and still faces more reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.

The fate of the dog will be decided on Friday morning by Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Susan Ratcliff in Kirbyville. The judge can order that the dog be returned to the Byrds with stipulations such as training, or the judge can order that the dog be euthanized.

Since the attack, the dog has been quarantined by Dr. John Michler at Jasper Animal Hospital.