GRAND MEADOW – The Mower County Sheriff's Department is pursuing a dangerous dog certification.

The incident, which resulted in the legal action, occurred about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

According to a Sheriff's Department report, a deputy was sent to a rural Grand Meadow residence across the Mower County line into Fillmore County.

Earlier Tuesday, a Spring Valley Post Office rural mail carrier reported being bitten by a dog at the residence, when he delivered certified mail.

When the deputy arrived at the residence and got out of his car, a dog approached, growling and baring his teeth in a menacing way.

Twice the dog was sprayed with Mace to make it retreat.

A male occupant of the house finally came outside to answer the deputy's questions.

The deputy took his report and returned to other duties.

Later Tuesday, Daniel Mallory, Grand Meadow, called the law enforcement center and admitted he was the owner of the dog, which he said was staying at his son's residence. He denied the dog was dangerous.

Today, Sheriff Barry J. Simonson confirmed legal action to have the dog declared "dangerous" was being pursued to avoid further incidents such as those reported Tuesday.