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From: Lieut. Dave Brown Date: January 16, 2008 Subject: Dog Safety
Most dog owners would probably say that their dog would never bite someone or attack another animal. It is usually after a dog bite, when the owner, in a state of disbelief, claims that the dog never did this before. However, it is important to realize that dogs are pack animals, and they may behave differently towards other dogs and humans. The dog’s perceived nature, docile or aggressive, should not be a determining factor when deciding to secure the animal on a leash. A dog may be docile towards a family member, but aggressive towards another dog. If a person is walking a dog, and an unleashed dog attacks the animal, this too could have a disastrous outcome. Owners need to realize that dogs are animals, and they cannot be trusted to roam unsecured off a leash, especially in a busy city such as our own. Additionally, the person who has the dog leashed must be able to maintain control. A young child would have a difficult time controlling a larger dog. Once a dog bite occurs, this will set into motion an investigation by Lynn Animal Control Officer Kevin Farnsworth. The results of this investigation will then be forwarded to either, Lynn Police Deputy Chief Kenneth Santoro or Deputy Chief Kevin Coppinger. They will make a decision whether or not the dog is a threat to public safety, and order specific action to be taken, regarding the animal. The dog’s owner will have ten days to appeal the decision in the District Court. However, this legal action can ultimately result with the family dog being destroyed. Additionally, it goes without saying, the possible civil consequences which could result from a dog bite. There were two recent dog attacks that made headlines this fall. Ms. Julie Potter, age 36, was violently attacked as she jogged on Lynnfield Street. The dog had escaped from its leash, and Potter was bitten about the arms and legs. If not for the assistance of a passing motorist, Ms. Dolores DiFillipo, Potter’s injuries could have been more severe. The owner surrendered the dog to Animal Control Officer Kevin Farnsworth, and the dog was subsequently euthanized. During another such dog attack, Ms. Claire Butcher, age 75, was walking her Pekingese dog, near 252 Broadway. The Pekingese had its eye torn out from its socket by another dog, which was off its leash. During the incident, Ms. Butcher was knocked down, and received contusions to the back of her head and elbows. Furthermore, this incident occurred near Magnolia Park, Pickering Middle School, and Sisson Elementary School. One can only speculate as to what might have occurred, if events unfolded differently. The dog’s owner appealed a Magistrate’s decision, to uphold Deputy Chief Kevin Coppinger’s order to have the dog euthanized. Lynn District Court Judge Wexler, after hearing testimony, affirmed the Deputy Chief’s order. In this particular case, not only did the Deputy Chief, but both the Court Magistrate and a Judge, deem the dog to be a threat to public safety. The animal has since been destroyed. These are examples of what can occur, if a dog is allowed to roam off a leash, and it attacks a person or another animal. Dog attacks in our city have become a major public safety issue. Our elected city leaders and law enforcement officials, are working together in order to address this problem. Currently, the fine for having an unleashed dog is $25. A subsequent offense is $50. It is anticipated that these fines will be increased. There is no doubt that dog attacks can be prevented. However, dog owners need to ensure, that their pets are leashed and properly secured. We would prefer voluntary compliance. Otherwise, dog owners will have no one to blame, if their dog is ordered euthanized following a dog bite. Deputy Chief Kevin Coppinger said, “The bottom line is that if people took the time to put their dogs on a leash, and keep the animals under their control, these incidents, not unlike many others, would not have occurred.” “Any dog can be deemed a public safety threat if allowed to roam at their leisure.”
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