South Whitehall residents Lisa Schadt and Mark Miner told South Whitehall commissioners unleashed pit bulls have been causing fear among children, adults and pets in their neighborhood, just south of the Troxell school building.

At the Dec. 3 commissioners meeting, Schadt, who runs the Manito Equestrian Center, 2160 N. Cedar Crest Blvd., said the dogs have developed a pack mentality as they escape through the fence or gate of an adjacent home and prowl through the surrounding region.

"We don't know what to do anymore," Schadt said. "We're really frightened someone is going to get terribly hurt.

"People have to keep their children and pets indoors."

Board President Christina "Tori" Morgan expressed concern for Schadt and the children she works with day in and day out at her horse farm.

She asked Schadt what she does when the dogs approach.

"Sometimes we run around with pitchforks. We've tried," Schadt said. "We've tried a variety of things. We're afraid to go and check for our mail."

Miner, who was present with his children, mentioned concerns about safety in the area.

Bob Schantz, who lives along Albright Avenue, said he had an experience with vicious dogs recently when he was outside his home.

He didn't know what to do until his wife aimed a water hose at the dogs to make them leave.

Chief Thomas Toth reported township police have given the dog owner citations for what is termed a summary violation.

Although the individual has been fined, the offenses continue.

Toth advised residents to call police right away when they see the dogs running free.

Commissioner Glenn Block suggested looking into the issue to see whether the dogs' owner is operating a breeding business.

If that is the case, township regulations would have to be met.

Director of Administration Howard Kutzler said he will send the dogs' owner a notice saying a complaint has been received, and an investigation of the matter will be conducted.