ONAWA, Iowa (AP) – A 200-plus-pound St. Bernard won’t be seized from his owner, thanks to a vote by the Onawa City Council. The council voted 4-2 on Tuesday night to reverse a ruling by the police chief that Zhivago is dangerous. The giant pooch had gotten loose twice, but owner Billy Parker has said Zhivago is “a gentle giant” who poses no threat.

Council member LeRoy Habinck said at the meeting that if Zhivago were “going to bite somebody, he would have done it long before this.” Parker has installed a 6-foot-tall fence to keep the dog from escaping and roaming the neighborhood.

The council will be taking a look at city ordinances to clearly define what makes an animal “dangerous” or “vicious” and subject to city seizure.