March 29, 2024

Rabies violation found after dog bite

A Newton man was charged following a dog bite incident on his property. Johnny H. Diedrich, 56, is charged with rabies vaccination violation following the incident at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at 243 Hazel Ave.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office reported the victim was at or near the Diedrich property when three dogs owned by Diedrich swarming her and started barking. One of the dogs, a female terrier mix named Tilly bit the victim in her lower leg or calf area, causing bite marks and pain.

Diedrich told officers the dog was current on her rabies vaccinations through the Newton Animal Clinic but he could not show proof and the dog was not wearing any tags. Officers followed up with the clinic, who provided documentation that showed the vaccination expired in 2011.

The dog was ordered quarantined for 10 days at the Jasper County Animal Rescue League following the incident.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com