Council seeks ways to protect Iowa town from 'gentle giant'

IOWA -- The Onawa City Council has put off a decision on what to do about a St. Bernard that's called a "gentle giant" by its owner and a potential menace by some other residents of the western Iowa community.

KCAU TV reports that dozens of people packed the council meeting Tuesday to learn Zhivago's fate.

  

The 3-year-old, 200-pounder has gotten loose twice but hasn't (yet) bitten anyone. Police say he's a dangerous animal who should be seized. Owner Billy Parker says Zhivago is a "gentle giant" and a therapy animal who poses no threat.

Is he a REAL therapy dog or is this yet another guy claiming he's got a therapy animal because he has personal issues? Also, previous story says he's 'broken his chain twice'... why is this big dog being left outside on a chain?!

Council members discussed changing city ordinances so that a tall fence could be installed to help keep the dog in his yard. The members delayed a final decision until their April 14 meeting

(KSFY - Mar 25, 2015)

Earlier:

• City Of Onawa And Pet Owner Fighting Over Fate Of St. Bernard
• City Council Delays Decision On Future Of St. Bernard In Onawa