THUNDER BAY -- The owner of a dog accused of mauling an 11-year-old boy at Tarbutt Park last month appeared in court for the first time Thursday.
Frank Vantrova, 56, faces a charge of criminal negligence causing bodily harm.
Police say Vantrova and his six dogs were inside the boarded rink at the park on Brock Street on Nov. 17. Young Dante Mekanak apparently climbed over the boards, and suffered serious injuries to his face after an altercation with one of the dogs, believed to be a boxer.
Police say the owner of the dog left the scene, and Mekanak required 65 stitches to his face. Vantrova appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice Thursday, and his case has been adjourned for a week to allow time to review the Crown's case.
Vantrova is also facing four bylaw charges of failing to have his dogs licensed and leashed, along with the potential destruction order of the boxer.
He's to appear in Provincial Offences court to face those charges Wednesday.
