Man ordered to confine dog

Published 10:03 am Thursday, June 26, 2008

A local man was ordered to confine his German Shepherd for 10 days after the dog bit an Austin Utilities meter reader staffer, who suffered puncture wounds to his calf, according to Austin Police Chief Paul Philipp.

Philipp said the dog wasn’t current on its rabies shots, based on information from veterinary clinics in the city and owner testimony. Don Meyer, 25, was issued a notice Wednesday for potentially-dangerous dog.

The chief stated Meyer moved the canine to a separate region of the house, on the 900 block of Fourth Avenue Northwest, when the victim, 63-year-old John Lavelle, entered the home around 1:35 p.m. to check its meter. Lavelle had returned outside for readings when the canine pushed the storm door open and pursued, Philipp said.

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Lavelle ran toward the gate to exit the yard, though didn’t reach it before the German Shepherd bit his leg. He suffered six bloody puncture marks, the chief stated.

Because the dog isn’t current on rabies shots, it must be contained by the owner for 10 day of observation. If it shows signs of the disease, it must be destroyed and tested.