ATHOL — A Unity Avenue dog’s owner has instructions to keep the dog leashed, insured and never allowed out alone after the dog bit a passing neighbor while loose in February.
The Board of Selectmen heard at the dog hearing Tuesday night that the dog, “Lilly,” has racked up other, lesser complaints over the last two years, including an altercation with a large German shepherd resulting in surgery for the shepherd.
Lilly is described in documents as a shepherd or a retriever, and as a pit bull by witnesses reporting its behavior.
Owner Eric Zewiey of 399 Unity Ave. said his dog has only bit a human once and never a child, after hearing a letter from neighbor Carol Cummings expressing concern for the safety of the children who attend her day care three houses away. Zewiey said the dog may have become defensive of the house since the birth of his grandchild.
Diana Cooley of Petersham described an unprovoked attack by the dog as she walked in the neighborhood, resulting in a gashed thumb.
Selectmen unanimously approved animal control officer Jennifer Arsenault’s recommendation that Lilly never be allowed outside unless on a leash held by a human, and that the owner provide proof of insurance. If the dog gets out again, Arsenault said, she will ask that it be euthanized.
Zewiey said the early escapes were a result of a broken door and that a tenant now has charge of the dog.
You can reach Chris Curtis at: ccurtis@recorder.com