The wife of Lihu’e veterinarian David Haas, DVM, was cited Tuesday for breaking the county’s newly-passed “Dangerous Dogs” law after her dog bit a passerby. According to police, Barbara Haas was walking with her dog “Huppi,” a mixed-breed, in front
The wife of Lihu’e veterinarian David Haas, DVM, was cited Tuesday for breaking the county’s newly-passed “Dangerous Dogs” law after her dog bit a passerby.
According to police, Barbara Haas was walking with her dog “Huppi,” a mixed-breed, in front of the Lihue Veterinary Hospital on Oihana Street about 8 a.m. Tuesday.
As the victim turned the corner, the dog stood up, put his front paws up and bit the man on the chest. He and the dog eventually let go but his shirt was torn, police said. The dog was on a leash at the time, police said. The dog probably got scared and reacted, Haas said. He said the dog has never bitten anyone before.
The man, whose name was not released, was treated for two puncture wounds at the emergency room of Wilcox Memorial Hospital.
“She’s extremely emotionally distraught over this, and I am too,” Haas said regarding his wife.
“It’s hard to believe my dog is going to be considered a dangerous dog,” he said.
Haas said that they are taking precautions to make sure this doesn’t happen again by not taking Huppi anywhere this could happen, and by using a head leader for the leash. Huppi will also wear a muzzle.
Staff Writer Kendyce Manguchei can be reached at kmanguchei@pulitzer.net or 245-3681 (ext. 252).
