MASSACHUSETTS -- Facing a packed room of frustrated residents, selectmen last night imposed strict fence regulations on the owners of three airedale terriers that recently attacked a neighborhood dog.
The airedales are owned by Brent Viner and Margaret Harling of 85 West St. On Feb. 15, Thomas Sullivan said the airedales attacked him as he walked his dog in front of Viner and Harling's house.
Sullivan said two of the airedales climbed a snowbank to escape their fenced-in yard. The airedales, Phineas and Phoebe, bit Sullivan's dog, a chow, in the neck and rear. Sullivan suffered bites on his arms as he tried to fend them off.
A motorist, Stephen Pelligrino, intervened by driving up to the dogs and blaring his horn. Margaret Harling then came outside and called the dogs into the house.
Sullivan, whose dog survived the attack, said the airedales have become too dangerous to remain in Viner's and Harling's care.
In May 2007, Viner and Harling appeared before the board to answer complaints about Phineas attacking neighborhood dogs. The board at that time ordered Viner and Harling to build a 4-foot fence to contain the animals.
Sullivan said he is unwilling to walk in the neighborhood since the attacks.
David McKay, an attorney for Viner and Harling, disputed Sullivan's accusations that the dogs are vicious and should be euthanized.
McKay said unusually high snowbanks allowed the dogs to escape and that there have been no other reported attacks since the board ordered Viner to build the fence.
"This is a problem with a solution," McKay said. "The existing fence contained the dogs for the past four years. We're willing to do what we have to and ensure this doesn't happen again."
Animal Control Officer Claudia McGuire recommended building a taller fence that would restrict the dogs' movement. She also advised that the owners supervise their dogs when they are outside, and muzzling Phineas at all times when outdoors.
Board members Bill Pantazis, Leslie Rutan and Jeff Amberson agreed that a larger, sturdier fence is needed.
"It concerns me that so many people have said they won't walk in this neighborhood," said Pantazis. "I'm all for the containment of these animals."
The board unanimously recommended construction of an 8-foot privacy fence set at least 125 feet back from West Street.
Viner and Harling will also have to continue maintenance of the 4-foot fence around the perimeter of the property.
Their dogs must remain leashed and muzzled any time they are outside until the new fence is built.
(MetroWest Daily News - April 11, 2011)
