Spork the dachshund (February 22, 2010) |
LAFAYETTE, Colo. - A municipal judge will decide the fate of a 10-year-old dachshund that bit veterinary technician last August, the city of Lafayette said Wednesday.
Spork has been featured on magazine covers and even named dog of the month.
His owners, Kelly and Tim Walker, are charged with keeping a vicious animal after Spork bit the technician in the face as she attached a hospital band. ]
The bite required plastic surgery as the vet tech lost pieces of her lip.
Under city rules, the judge could decide Spork should be euthanized.
"The case goes before our Municipal Judge in April. We are confident that he will review all the facts of the case based upon the evidence presented in court, decide whether a violation occurred, and take appropriate action only if there was a violation," Lafayette city administrator Gary Klaphake said.
The idea that Spork is vicious is something the 17-pound dog's owners have a hard time accepting.
"Every night I tuck him into bed. If he doesn't have a blanket on him, he starts crying, I have to get up and make sure he's covered," Kelly Walker said.
"To have this happen... the city of Lafayette just wanted to go out for blood and prosecute my husband and I, and possibly execute our dog," Walker said.
The owner of the Jasper Vet Hospital, where the bite occurred, said his business has nothing to do with the city's decision to prosecute Spork's owners.
Spork has been featured on magazine covers and even named dog of the month.
His owners, Kelly and Tim Walker, are charged with keeping a vicious animal after Spork bit the technician in the face as she attached a hospital band. ]
The bite required plastic surgery as the vet tech lost pieces of her lip.
Under city rules, the judge could decide Spork should be euthanized.
"The case goes before our Municipal Judge in April. We are confident that he will review all the facts of the case based upon the evidence presented in court, decide whether a violation occurred, and take appropriate action only if there was a violation," Lafayette city administrator Gary Klaphake said.
The idea that Spork is vicious is something the 17-pound dog's owners have a hard time accepting.
"Every night I tuck him into bed. If he doesn't have a blanket on him, he starts crying, I have to get up and make sure he's covered," Kelly Walker said.
"To have this happen... the city of Lafayette just wanted to go out for blood and prosecute my husband and I, and possibly execute our dog," Walker said.
The owner of the Jasper Vet Hospital, where the bite occurred, said his business has nothing to do with the city's decision to prosecute Spork's owners.
