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Police dog�s alleged bite now under investigation PHOENIX � A police dog that allegedly bit a person while it was off-duty will remain quarantined while the incident is investigated. The dog, a male German Shepherd named Block, is owned and handled by Phoenix police officer Iansun Hyrst. According to Jackson County Animal Control program manager Colleen Macuk, the incident took place March 2 and was reported shortly afterward. "This isn�t a vicious dog attack. It looks like something that could happen to any pet owner," Macuk said. Macuk, who could not provide additional details about the alleged incident, said results of the investigation will become public record when the matter is resolved. If all parties involved cooperate and no complications arise, Macuk expects to finish the investigation by Monday. Animal control officials will look at all of the factors surrounding the alleged bite and the circumstances leading up to the incident. "We look at the severity of the bite," she said. "There are a lot of independent factors to consider." If animal control investigators find that Block is guilty of inappropriate behavior, then Macuk said Hyrst will receive a warning. The warning, which Macuk calls a "preventive measure," is meant to educate the dog owner. Animal control has not investigated any prior complaints involving Block, Macuk said. Police Chief Bob Kershaw, spokesman for the department, was unavailable for comment. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.