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May 5, 2006

Man who pepper-sprayed dogs on beach apologizes

NEWPORT -- The man who attacked two dog owners and their unleashed pets with pepper spray on Middletown's Second Beach this past winter apologized and pleaded no contest in District Court today to misdemeanor charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct.

David T. Hayes, 51, of 7 Renfrew Park, Middletown, was ordered to make restitution -- the cost of one of the pet owner's damaged clothing -- and to stay away from his victims. Judge Stephen Erickson also banned Hayes from returning to the town's most popular beach for a year. The charges were filed for one year and will only be revisited if Hayes runs afoul of the law during the next 12 months.

The incident sparked an emotional debate in Middletown over whether dogs should be allowed on the beach without a leash during off-peak times of the year. Hayes complained to the pet owners about their unleashed dogs before using the pepper spray one person and one dog. The police arrested Hayes, but also cited the pet owners with violating the town's leash law.

-- Journal staff writer Rich Salit

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 6:50 PM | Permalink

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