Judge imposes $30 fine, half the normal $60 penalty.

The Associated Press
WFLS News

Date published: 5/9/2008

CHATHAM, Va. (AP) - State Senator Robert Hurt was fined for failing to vaccinate his dog for rabies after his Labrador retriever bit a man.

Retired General District Court Judge Stephen Helvin imposed the $30 fine, half the normal $60 penalty. Halifax County Commonwealth's Attorney Kimberley White asked for the reduced fine because Hurt had the dog vaccinated before his court date Thursday.

Hurt did not appear in court. He pleaded no contest to the charge through his attorney Luis Abreu.

Hurt's dog bit the man on the leg in December. Abreu told the judge Hurt agreed to pay the man's medical expenses for the series of rabies shots he had to take as a precaution.

Hurt represents Danville and Pittsylvania County. He told The Register & Bee of Danville that he has given the dog away.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Date published: 5/9/2008