Police say they found the dog that bit a 13-year-old boy, on the same day the boy would have begun rabies shot treatment.
A man and his two German Shepherds were near the playground area of Mark Twain Elementary School, 1620 Lincoln Road in Bettendorf at about 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2014. One of the dogs was off its leash, and the loose dog bit a 13-year-old boy on the arm according to Bettendorf Police Captain Keith Kimball.
The man reportedly told the boy to wait for him as he left to secure the dogs; but the man never returned.
Police and the boy’s family were anxious to find the dog, to ensure the animal had current vaccinations. Without that confirmation, the teen would have to undergo a series of rabies injections.
Police said they followed up on more than 30 tips about the dogs and their possible owner.
“Due to these tips (and) the victim making a positive identification of the dog…the dog and dog owners have been identified,” said Bettendorf Police Captain Keith Kimball. Police confirmed the identity of the dog Friday morning, March 14, 2014.
Kimball said the dog was current with all vaccinations.
“Because of this last-minute identification of the dog and dog owner…the victim did not have to endure and follow through with the rabies shot treatment that was supposed to start Friday afternoon,” Kimball said.
Kimball said it was anticipated that charges would be filed against the dog owners.
