Gotsis ‘not guilty’ in dog-bite case

MARENGO — Tiffany Gotsis, of Marengo, was found not guilty of allowing an animal to run after, chase or attack a person following a bench trial June 18.

Judge Kandyce Smolik filed an Order of Dismissal July 8. “Based upon the evidence presented, the Court finds Defendant not guilty and orders that this case is dismissed,” the document says.

The judge ordered court costs paid by the City of Marengo.

Marengo City Attorney Gage Kensler argued the case for the City of Marengo and presented testimony from Marengo Police Chief Ben Gray and from Ryan Werning, the father of the 3-year-old girl who was bitten by Gotsis’ dog, Buddy.

Gotsis, who acted as her own attorney, argued that the dog was in its own home and Werning entered the Gotsis house before she could secure the dog.

Gotsis didn’t deny that her dog attacked the girl, but argued that Werning himself was at fault for entering the house without knocking.

Gotsis said during the trial that the dog is now deceased.