Couple is honored for beating Pit Bulls

Ajia Brown had part of his scalp and ears torn off during a vicious pit-bull attack in Hanover. While many of his wounds are healing, his mother Elizabeth Brown, said he still has a number of procedures to go - including stretching his remaining scalp to cover what was lost, and removing cartilage from his ribs to repair his ears.

Thomas Newell, the Browns' lawyer, said Ajia has undergone numerous surgeries, having his ears partially amputated and a significant amount of the back of his head removed.


Robert Beckner said he and his wife, Margaret, acted the same as anyone else would have that night June 1.


A small child and his mother were being attacked by two pit bulls in the yard across their alley, and the Beckners sprung into action.

Using a garden hose and a board, the Fulton Street couple beat the dogs, possibly saving the lives of 8-year-old Ajia Brown and his mother, Elizabeth, of Groton, Conn.

"I'd do it again if I got to," Beckner said Wednesday after Hanover Mayor Ben Adams commended the couple for their assistance.

Adams read the commendation to the Beckners during the Borough Council's meeting. The Beckners' family and friends were in attendance.

"Unfortunately, all too often the victim is left to fend for his or her own self while witnesses and others go about their business," Adams said. "Robert and Margaret, you ignored the dangers facing you that evening and provided assistance to two victims who may have suffered additional injury or worse, had you not intervened on their behalf."

The couple thanked the mayor and the council, appearing very humbled at the honor.

"Both are examples of what good citizens should be," Adams said.

Chester L. Little, 47, of 415 Pleasant St., the owner of the dogs, was found guilty of several charges relating to the care and licensing of the dogs, Angel and Midg. He also was fined $2,000 and told Angel must now be leashed and muzzled at all times. Hanover Borough Police officers shot Midg shortly

after they arrived at the incident.

Little also is facing a civil suit filed by the Brown family.

Thomas Newell, the Browns' lawyer, said Ajia has undergone numerous surgeries, having his ears partially amputated and a significant amount of the back of his head removed.

He now is under care of doctors from Yale, Newell said. They are waiting to see how the boy heals before deciding what surgeries to do next.

"On a sliding scale of one to 10, with one being the start and 10 being full recovery, we're at step two or three," Newell said.

However, he commended the Beckners, as well as the staff at Hershey Medical Center, where Ajia first was treated, for their work.

"Despite this traumatic and tragic event, they've encountered some very good human beings," Newell said.