Controversy brews over abused dog

By KENT THOMPSON
The debate over an abused dog from Fort Dodge has thrown Humboldt County and Dakota City governments into a tizzy.
The matter began nearly three months ago when “Tank,” or “Bruno,” as he has come to be known, a 7-year-old boxer-pit bull mix, arrived in Humboldt County.
Humboldt County Attorney Jon Beaty instructed Humboldt County Supervisor Chair Bruce Reimers to sign the unsigned adoption papers filed by County Animal Control Officer Merri Hansen for Courtney Askvig of Fort Dodge on Aug. 30.
Reimers said he was on a flight back from Cincinnati, OH, when he received a message that he needed to stop by the Law Enforcement Center and sign the papers. That was on Sept. 14, and Reimers complied.
Hansen said the act was illegal and Reimers had no authorization to sign the adoption papers.
At Monday's Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board agreed to give the dog to Courtney Askvig and not to accept Hansen's resignation as animal control officer, which she rescinded in a letter to the Board several days before the meeting.
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