A German short-haired pointer dog that became a local icon this spring has been transferred to a breed-specific animal shelter. A press release from the City of Manhattan’s Parks and Recreation Department states Buck, a dog that was facing euthanasia after mauling a toddler, was transferred into the shelter late Monday evening.
A family adopted Buck from the T. Russell Animal Shelter on April 24 but surrendered him back to the shelter the following day after reportedly biting their 2-year-old daughter twice.
“The rescue we are in contact with specializes in working with this breed and can make the best decision for Buck going forward,” said Ron Fehr, city manager.
Manhattan became swept up in the #SaveBuck movement in late April and early May. Citizens pleaded for Buck’s life for more than an hour and a half at a city commission meeting on May 3.
Buck was facing euthanasia – a standard procedure in the city’s ordinances on dig bites. According to reports, Buck was placed in his new home a day after being neutered. The child needed stitches after being bit. Many area animal shelters were willing to accept Buck and abdicate all liability from the city in the event of another biting incident by the dog.
“We appreciate the community’s support during this decision period while selecting the best placement for Buck,” said Fehr on Tuesday morning.
