Dog dispute leads to harassment

WOLCOTT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Things got heated in Wolcott following a story News 8 ran about a dog dispute; police had to be called back to the neighborhood and more arrests were made.

People are out in the Wolcott neighborhood, but not all are comfortable because hours after our story aired police say dog owners at the center of the conflict began harassing those that spoke with News 8.

"They were walking by the neighbors tormenting them, challenging them," said Chief Edward Stephens.

Neighbors told News 8 Wednesday that two Pit Bulls living at 9 Maple Avenue were causing problems. One man claimed that his small dog was attacked.

"I was pushing the dogs away," he said.

In that incident the owner of the six-month-old Pit Bulls was ticketed for allowing the animals to roam, but neighbors wanted a tougher response.

And they got it.

Four people connected to the dogs owner were arrested including 19-year-old Thomas Adkins who was charged with inciting a riot.

Right after our first story aired, police say the group was walking around the neighborhood with the dogs frightening residents.

"They did feel afraid, they felt intimidated," said Chief Stephens, "they were feeling like they were being harassed."

At this point, police says there is no justification to remove the animals.

Meanwhile, neighbors are hoping things will calm down.