Okeechobee's famous St. Bernard, Maximus, was taken into custody by animal control on Saturday, Jan. 22.
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OKEECHOBEE -- Okeechobee's famous St. Bernard, Maximus, was taken into custody by animal control on Saturday, Jan. 22 at approximately 3:30 p.m.
A BOLO (be on the look out) had been put out on the dog after two biting incidents took place in the last couple months. When his owner, Donnie Hayes, was arrested Saturday on DUI charges, Max was in the vehicle with him.
According to the most recent citation issued to Hayes, Max, considered a dangerous dog, was unmuzzled and unrestrained in the vehicle. This was the third citation involving Max.
On Oct. 19, Hayes was issued a citation for $200 when Max reportedly bit someone out at Lock 7, and on Nov. 6, he was issued a second citation for another biting incident, this time at Good Spirits Lounge at approximately 1 a.m.
Deputies Misei Esquivel and Ashley Waskiewicz were notified by a concerned citizen that a black SUV was driving recklessly at Lock 7. When the deputies located the SUV and found Hayes driving, they told him there was a BOLO out on Max. They called animal control and asked them to respond to the location, and Max was taken into custody.
Hayes' arrest report states his eyes were red and watery, he seemed sleepy and the smell of alcohol emitted from his breath. When asked if he had anything to drink, Hayes reportedly said he had a couple drinks but was not planning to drive anywhere.
After a roadside sobriety test, Hayes was arrested and charged with DUI. He reportedly refused to provide a breath sample. His bond was set at $2,500.
According to Sheriff Noel E. Stephen, the BOLO was issued to keep Max and anyone he might come into contact with safe. Officers were told to keep an eye out for Hayes and Max after the two biting incidents. "If there were a third incident, we would have to take steps we would not want to take," said the sheriff. He went on to explain he believed Max was just being protective of his owner, but because he is so aggressive, he needs to be kept home, away from anyone he might feel was threatening. Because his owner is still in custody, Max was released to a family member after she was given careful instructions on dealing with him for the safety of everyone involved. "We all enjoy seeing Max riding around in the vehicle. It puts a smile on our faces, but it's just not safe anymore."
