The fate of a German short-haired pointer is still unclear after Tuesday’s Manhattan City Commission meeting. Buck, the dog, may be put down after twice biting a two-year-old last month following his adoption from the T. Russel Reitz Animal Shelter in April. The dog is quarantined until Friday, which is standard protocol for a dog that has not had rabies shots. Buck bit the child on April 24 and may now be facing euthanasia, as is standard procedure according to city ordinance. Plenty of concerned community members attending the city commission meeting to speak on behalf of Buck, who they feel deserves a second chance.
“I feel sort of responsible, because I let him go the wrong people,” said Chris Soupene, a local man who intended to adopt Buck before letting him go to the family of the two-year-old. “I would like to give this guy a second chance. I do believe he was put in a bad circumstance.”
According to reports, Buck was placed in his new home a day after being neutered. The child needed stitches after being bit.
“We are continuing to investigate, compile, and analyze all the facts of this case,” stated city manager Ron Fehr. The city will not comment on the matter until the dog is released from quarantine and a decision has been made.
The commission also approved the Parks and Recreation Feasibility Study, and passed a resolution setting the ballot language for the quality of life sales tax question funding $27.5-million of parks and recreation improvements.
A draft ordinance was also approved, which rescinds a 2009 quarter-cent sales tax that was used to fund zoo and swimming pool projects
The sales tax would be used for funding the construction of two multi-purpose gymnasiums adjacent to Anthony and Eisenhower Middle Schools; the renovation of ballfields and tennis courts within CiCo Park and the construction of new recreational trails.
In other business, the commission approved first reading of an ordinance vacating portions of South 8th Street from El Paso Lane to Fort Riley Boulevard.
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