205rollover.jpg
The dog apparently triggered a Feb. 21 rollover crash on I-205. No one came forward to claim him and he was euthanized after trying to bite animal shelter workers.
(Oregon State Police)
A dog found wandering loose on Interstate 205 last month was euthanized after displaying "potentially dangerous" behavior in the Clackamas County Dog Services' Animal Adoption and Education Center.
The dog, a large male German shepherd, initially was put up for adoption after receiving a clean bill of health from a veterinarian. However, shelter employees reported several close calls, raising concerns about how good a pet he would make.
"He tried to bite several times," said Diana Hallmark, Dog Services manager. "We decided it was not safe to place him in the community."
The dog apparently triggered a Feb. 21 rollover injury crash in the Clackamas area near Milepost 12 when motorists swerved and braked sharply to avoid him. After emergency responders helped the drivers and cleared the damaged vehicles from the highway, state troopers, a Portland police officer and firefighters were able to capture the dog.
The dog had a microchip, but shelter staff members were unable to trace the information back to the dog's owner and no one came forward to claim him.
Hallmark said it is difficult to guess a dog's history, but that it appeared the shepherd was not well socialized or well trained.
"We're sorry about the dog, but safety for the community has to be our Number One concern," Hallmark said.
-- Rick Bella