City of Dawsonville officials are investigating the report by a local postal worker, who said he was bitten by a dog while on his route last week in the Burt's Crossing subdivision.

City Manager David Headley said his office was made aware of the Jan. 11 incident on Thursday and the dog was placed in quarantine for 10 days on Friday, as required by city ordinance

"We have contacted the health department and are filing the required paperwork," he said.

Headley described the bite as "minimal" and does not classify the Australian Shepherd as vicious.

"We are handling it as required by the state regulations and city policy," he said.

Headley also noted that when approached about the reported dog bite, the owner claimed it was not her dog, although the mail carrier's description of the dog matched her pet.

"She claimed it was a stray. That being said, we put her on notice and quarantined the dog," he said. "Should she violate that order, she will be subject to fines and penalties."

The incident follows months and months of discussions over how to handle animal control issues within the Dawsonville city limits.

In a 4-0 vote, city councilmembers on Dec. 7 approved a measure to bring animal control in-house.

Previously, the city had a tenuous contract with Dawson County to take care of any stray or dangerous animals within its city limits at the cost of nearly $300 per animal picked up and taken to the local shelter.

That cost was actually closer to $600 per animal when animal control officer salaries were added to the amount the county provides to annually fund the local shelter, officials have said.

The city is now working to construct a pole barn at its maintenance shop that will be used to temporarily house picked up stray animals.

The ordinance also lists the city's impoundment fee at $50 and boarding fee at $10 per day.

Headley said the dog was quarantined at the owner's home on Nashport Lane.