Two dog hearings took place Tuesday in Colrain and Buckland, and each ended with a memorandum of understanding between the towns and the dog owners.
In Colrain, Daniel Zinn was bit by a dog that escaped from Scott Reade’s backyard on Foundry Village Road.
Zinn asked for a hearing to document the incident. The dog was not considered dangerous by the Selectboard.
In its agreement, the Selectboard decided that Reade needs to keep the dog restrained so it will not run in the road and attack someone again.
The Selectboard has three options during dog hearings. Members can choose to declare the dog dangerous, a nuisance, or dismiss the complaint. The Selectboard dismissed the complaint, but made the memorandum of understanding to keep documentation of the incident.
“When I saw Dr. Zinn shaking hands with the owners of the dog after saying he agreed with our decision, I knew we made the right decision,” said Michael Slowinski, Selectboard chair in Colrain. “It was heartwarming to see they were smiling when they left the room together.”
A similar conclusion was reached in Buckland.
Kyle Sweeny’s dog escaped the owner’s backyard on State Street, and broke into Dean Singer’s backyard on Purinton Road on May 25. There, Sweeny’s dog reportedly attacked Singer’s dog.
This is the second time Sweeny’s dog has attacked Singer’s dog, but it was not documented during the first attack. In the first instance, the dog had to visit an emergency veterinarian, and the bill was paid by Sweeny. The second time, the dog did not need veterinary services.
Sweeny explained the fence was constructed so puppies would be unable to jump over the fence, but Sweeny’s fully grown dog easily jumped the fence.
Sweeny has made a deal to pay half the cost for a new fence, with his landlord covering the rest of the cost.
The Selectboard provided a memorandum of understanding to keep the dog contained or restrained at the recommendation of Kyle Dragon, regional animal control officer.
“If it happens again, it won’t be the same conclusion,” added Clint Phillips, vice chair of the Buckland Selectboard.
“Having a memorandum of understanding is not typical,” Dragon said. “This is unique to these circumstances.”
Contact Bella Levavi
at blevavi@recorder.com
or 413-930-4579.