ONAWA, Iowa (AP) – The Onawa City Council has put off a decision on what to do about a St. Bernard that’s called a “gentle giant” by its owner and a potential menace by some other residents of the western Iowa community. Sioux City television station KCAU reports that dozens of people packed the council meeting Tuesday to learn Zhivago’s fate. The 3-year-old, 200-pounder has gotten loose twice but hasn’t bitten anyone. Police say he’s a dangerous animal who should be seized. Owner Billy Parker says Zhivago is a “gentle giant” and a therapy animal who poses no threat.

Council members discussed changing city ordinances so that a tall fence could be installed to help keep the dog in his yard. The members delayed a final decision until their April 14 meeting.