No Charges In Padi Bite Investigation

BRADENTON, FL — A Bradenton black lab mix who made headlines following a court battle to rescind an euthanasia order will not face punishment following a Monday biting incident. His veterinarian owner, Dr. Paul Gartenberg, also faces no charges at this time.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was called in to investigate an incident that took place around 9:40 a.m. Monday at Gartenberg’s 714 60th St. Court E. The Pet Clinic. The trainer of a 4-month-old golden retriever puppy told authorities Padi bit her pup. Since “Obi-Wan” is a service dog in training, the case was investigated as a possible violation of a law that protects service dogs from reckless disregard that results in injury. The charge is a misdemeanor.

“Detectives concluded that no crime occurred and the incident was an unfortunate accident,” Dave Bristow, sheriff’s office spokesman, wrote in an email to media. “However, the case will be forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office for review.”

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While the State Attorney’s Office could determine cause for the charge exists, the sheriff’s office investigator wrote in an incident report that the puppy is in training and is not technically a service dog. As for reckless disregard on Gartenberg's part, “I did not find that the doctor appeared at any time to be grossly and consciously negligent without concern for danger to others,” the investigator wrote.

Obi-Wan suffered a bite on his snout, the report said. The minor puncture wounds were cleaned up before the dog’s owner Tammy Kritz left the premises. Witnesses at that clinic also told investigators that Obi-Wan was “growling” and being “aggressive” toward other pets in the lobby.

Padi made national headlines last year following a June incident involving a child. The dog was accused of biting off a part of the child’s ear and faced euthanasia under a state law that demands a dog's destruction if it is responsible for a serious injury to a person. In that case, the child’s babysitter said Padi attacked without provocation. Other witnesses to the incident, which also took place at The Pet Clinic, said the boy cornered the dog.

Gartenberg fought the death sentence in court and won. The case also served as the impetus for a bill that would enable hearing officers to consider circumstances in bite incidents before determining if a dog should be put down. The bill has passed both the House and Senate but has not yet been signed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Photo of Padi courtesy of Lori Gurley

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