May 20, 2004
District Judge Steven Verby took under advisement appeals in the vicious-dog violation convictions of James Dunnington, Moravia, after the parties involved waived oral arguments today in Boundary County.
According to Boundary County Prosecutor Jack Douglas, the process is moving ahead as appeals at this level customarily do. By waiving the oral arguments, both sides agreed to have Verby render his ruling based on the content of the file and the appeal briefs.
Dunnington owned three pit bulls that attacked and mauled Denise Dickison and Mike Hubbell in December, 2002. He was convicted of two counts of vicious dog violations by jury May 30, 2002. Dunnington appealed after a member of the jury recanted in a sworn affidavit.
According to Douglas, the record is a lengthy one, and includes a three-day trial. He said he anticipates it will take several weeks for a decision to be rendered.