A UPS driver facing a misdemeanor charge of animal injury will appear in Warren County Justice Court at 10 a.m. March 3 to enter a plea, according to the court docket.

The charges stem from reports of the driver striking a guard dog with a long, rod-like object while delivering a package to a Stenson Road residence.

Southern District Justice Court Judge Joe Crevitt will hear the plea.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois named Taz remains at a local veterinary clinic recovering from eye injuries, the dog’s owner, John Storey, said Friday.

Footage from a home security system appears to show the driver striking the dog once near the top of the head before dropping the package close to the front door.

The driver was released Feb. 10 on a $500 bond. Animal injury is part of the state statute on animal cruelty and carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison and a $1,000 fine.

UPS officials have said its drivers are advised they can defend themselves against animals they perceive as threats, but carrying sticks is not condoned. Also, the worldwide parcel delivery giant does not supply its drivers with such weapons. Instead, a company spokesman said, diversions such as dog biscuits are allowed to deter dogs from harming delivery drivers.

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Contact Danny Barrett Jr. at dbarrett@vicksburgpost.com