Defense attorney Komron Jon Maknoon said Abby Carlson, 29, and Thomas Fissinger, 33, both of Millvale, didn't mean to commit a crime on May 27. They simply let the girl ride in the cage, which was tied down, because she wanted to be with the dog inside it.
At a hearing Thursday, District Judge Robert Dzvonick agreed that the couple didn't intend to mistreat the girl but suggested that the case involved "two adults listening to a 10-year old kid."
Dzvonick gave the couple six weeks to take the classes, after which the charges could be dismissed. "God forbid your daughter asks for a Corvette and you go out and rob a bank," Dzvonick added.
The police officer who stopped the pickup after another motorist filed a complaint said there were no allegations of speeding or reckless driving.
The girl's grandmother has full custody of the child.
