ALTOONA — A pit bull with a habit of biting bark — the kind on a tree — could end up costing her owner $3,100.

This summer, Tyler Port allowed his dog, Rossman, to run loose in Altoona's Fairview Park. The dog apparently had a habit of chewing bark off trees, putting three honey locusts in danger of death.

John Iorio, the city's dog law officer, has cited Tyler for failing to keep Rossman under control, and is seeking $3,100 to cover the costs of replacing the bitten trees.

Port, 22, says his dog had an "infatuation" with trees and enjoyed hanging on their limbs from her teeth, but caused no real damage.

"The kids loved it, so I allowed it," Port said. "Once someone expressed concern, it ceased."

Port believes Iorio will drop the charges once the two reach an agreement.

By The Associated Press