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Residents urge Morrisville to act after dog maimed and neighbors report hoarding at 322 Stockham Avenue
Summary
Multiple residents told council that a hoarding condition and repeated dog-barking at 322 Stockham Avenue culminated in a dog maiming yesterday; police said officers have issued citations, an investigation is underway and the borough will coordinate with code enforcement and the district attorney where appropriate.
Residents of North Pennsylvania Avenue told the Morrisville Borough Council during public comment on May 25 that a persistent hoarding condition and repeated dog-barking at 322 Stockham Avenue have created a public-safety and public-health risk, and that a dog was seriously injured in an incident the previous day.
Alyssa Migliacci, speaking for neighbors on two blocks between Stockham Avenue and North Pennsylvania, described more than two years of complaints about constant barking and an on‑going hoarding problem that residents say includes trash, rodent carcasses and blocked windows. “We need assistance… We need help,” Migliacci told council, describing a case in which a neighbor’s dog was pulled under a fence through a hole and suffered a broken jaw and other injuries that required emergency veterinary care.
Nicole Miller, who said she and her family moved into 320 Stockham last month, said she sees “excessive amounts of boxes, trash, and clutter” inside the adjacent residence and worried about fire and sanitation risks spilling into attached homes. “I am deeply concerned about the potential for bugs, mice, rats, and other pests,” Miller said.
Resident Mark Marseglia told council the situation has degraded neighborhood quality of life and that enforcement so far has not resolved the problem after repeated reports.
Police response and code enforcement: Police Chief Rich Champa said the department has documented roughly 30 calls for service related to the address, has issued citations when officers observed violations, and that officers try to remain in the area rather than simply drive by. The chief confirmed an active investigation into the most recent dog-attack incident; Corporal House and the dog warden were contacted to explore whether the dog could be removed pending legal process.
Solicitor Adam said the borough can pursue multiple avenues depending on facts: nuisance ordinance citations, district‑court fines, and, in some cases, criminal public‑nuisance charges if evidence shows deliberate, ongoing conduct that creates a hazard. He and the chief said they would coordinate with code enforcement and the county health authorities where appropriate.
Why it matters: Neighbors said the property presents health, vermin and fire risks in an attached-structure neighborhood and that citations to date have not produced durable compliance. Council was asked to seek faster remedies and to help coordinate code, police and public-health responses.
Next steps: The police chief said he would follow up with residents and coordinate with code and the dog warden; the solicitor said legal remedies are being explored and that court processes are a possible next step for repeated or escalating violations.
