Service dog chows down on patrol car

BUTTE — A service dog is accused of chewing on the backseat of a Butte police car Monday morning, causing extensive damage.

The dog, only described as large, chomped on the ceiling and door of the car and also dug out some wiring, police said. A total damage amount has not been calculated.

The automobile attack occurred while police assisted the dog’s owner, who had taken too many of her prescription pills, at St. James Healthcare. Police said they found the animal’s owner, acting delusional, in the Walmart parking lot at about 12:30 a.m. 

An animal control officer went to the hospital to take custody of the dog while its owner receives treatment.

Police said they will not pursue charges or restitution against the dog.