COLRAIN — After deeming the two dogs owned by Stephanie and Jason Huber as a nuisance, the Selectboard ordered them to ensure their electric fence has a monthly change of batteries during a dog hearing this week.
Two months ago, the Hubers’ neighbor, Kathryn Bosyk, saw their two dogs wandering around the street off their Main Road property for multiple days. When Bosyk crossed the Hubers’ driveway to inform them that the dogs were loose, she said the dogs attacked her, biting her on the arm and leg. The animals reportedly chased her while she ran back to her home.
“They scared me to death,” Bosyk said. “Once I got home they were still running around my lawn.”
Once inside, she called 911 to request an ambulance as she was bleeding heavily. According to Bosyk, she stayed in the emergency room for three hours receiving care. She explained her injuries still have not fully healed.
After that incident, the Hubers found that their electric fence’s batteries had lost charge, meaning the dogs were unrestrained. Kyle Dragon, regional animal control officer, suggested that the family subscribe to a service that would mail them new batteries every month. The Hubers took Dragon’s advice prior to Tuesday’s hearing.
The Hubers had recently moved to Colrain when the incident occurred. They explained they never had a problem with their dogs at their old residence in Greenfield, and do not have this problem with contractors who have regularly come to their house over the past several months.
At the hearing, the Hubers presented four letters attesting to the dogs’ character, including from their old neighbors and the contractors who had worked on their house. The Hubers also said they took further precautions by creating a smaller boundary for the dogs that reaches halfway down their driveway.
Bosyk was not completely satisfied with the results of the dog hearing, however. She explained the Hubers’ home is next to the Griswold Memorial Library, so children are likely to be around the area and she is concerned for their safety. She is also concerned that dogs can get more aggressive with electric fences.
In response to her concern, the Hubers said they are willing to put up a small wind fence around their property.
Now that the dogs have been deemed a nuisance, if the Hubers are called back to another dog hearing, punishments could escalate.
“I think they have taken quite a few measures to make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Selectboard Chair Michael Slowinski said.
Bella Levavi can be reached at 413-930-4579 or blevavi@recorder.com.