SCHERTZ, TX -- Stephanie Osmers had been fighting for more than a month to get her 11-month-old dog back. The fight ended Wednesday afternoon as Osmers was reunited with her dog, Montana.
Montana had been in a kennel inside a veterinarian office since early December, after biting Schertz City Manager John Kessel on his pinky finger. By law, Montana had to be quarantined for 10 days. Osmers was also ordered to go before a judge for a dangerous dog hearing back last month.
Osmers' first hearing was delayed and the judge presiding over the second hearing decided to recuse himself from the case. On Wednesday morning, Osmers appeared in Schertz Municipal Court with her attorney and this time, a judge from Seguin presided over the case. The hearing never took place. Instead, Osmers took a plea deal that both parties agreed to.
"It's mind blowing to me that it came to this extreme and Montana sat in a vet's clinic for 30 plus days," Osmers said.
Osmers and her attorney say they feel this entire ordeal was an abuse of power by the city. Last month, the City of Schertz told News 4 WOAI, that the city was following protocol. The city maintains its stance, saying it was "looking out for the health, safety and welfare of the public."
Under the plea, Montana will not be labeled as a dangerous dog. Osmers must take Montana to dog obedience classes, he must wear a muzzle, and be on a leash if he's on public property in Schertz.
Osmers, who wasn't able to spend the holidays with Montana, says she has a lot of making up to do.
"It's time and we're excited to do that," Osmers said. "He has many toys waiting."
Osmers says she plans to move out of the City of Schertz, stating this ordeal has a lot do to with it.
