"It shouldn't have had to happen a second time if they said they were going to put it down," said neighbor John French.

But another incident did happen.

Former state representative Mark Wright's labrador "Charlee" struck again on Wednesday injuring a 22-year-old student from Baptist Bible College.

In February the dog bit a 14-year-old boy, and Wright issued a statement saying the dog would be put down, but after a change of heart, and a different story to the health department, the dog stayed at his residence inside the Springfield city limits.

"It was our understanding when we released the dog, although we had no authority to hold the dog, that it was going to be going to a farm in the country," said Clay Goddard with the Springfield-Green County Health Department.

Instead, the dog will now be staying at the Springfield Animal Shelter.

Back in the Wright neighborhood, neighbors say the dog was being provoked.

"They would run sticks along the fence, and torment the dog, and whenever he got out he maybe got a chance to get back at them...I don't know," said Percival.

"I think after an animal has been abused or hurt, they are going to think a lot of times that people are out to get them again, and they really maybe don't mean to do it," said Mary Marshall.

Much like the first incident, the victim was walking along Robberson and Dale, in front of the Wright home, when the dog dashed out of the yard and attacked.

A Springfield city ordinance clearly states any dog loose must be on a leash.

After trying his home several times we finally caught up with Mark Wright as he was leaving.

He only said he had no comment based on a recommendation by his attorneys.

The health department is pursing a charge of breaking the vicious dog ordinance.

"We'll be turning it over to municipal court, and there is a whole variety of things that can be done from further restrictions on the animal and how it's housed.  The court can also order the animal euthanized," said Goddard.

The Wrights were ticketed for having an animal at large, failure to display proof of rabies vaccinations, and breaking the vicious dog ordinance.

The health department filed motions with municipal court Monday to keep the dog housed until the incident could go to court.

We'll have more on this story as it becomes available.

Story ideas or comments?  Email me at wcarter@kspr.com