Man who barked at police dog may face trial

Associated Press

MASON

A southwest Ohio man charged with teasing a police dog by barking at it could face trial after a judge rejected his request to dismiss the charge.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports a judge in Mason on Friday turned down the request to toss out the city law against abusing police dogs because it violated free speech and was too vague.

A defense lawyer argued 25-year-old Ryan Stephens had a right to bark at the dog under the First Amendment. He also questioned the validity of the law.

An officer investigating an April car crash said he found Stephens making barking noises and hissing at the dog, which barked uncontrollably.

It’s not clear whether Stephens will appeal. A message seeking comment from his lawyer was left Saturday by The Associated Press.