PALMER, MA -– Police had to shoot a mixed-breed dog that went berserk on a porch at 25 Flynt St. early Monday morning.
The dog, which was described as a pitbull-mix, tore apart the cushions, slammed into the picture window repeatedly and charged at the officers and dog officer.
"The dog was crazy. It was tearing apart the porch and trying to get into the home," Officer Sean Ford said.
"He was jumping over 6 feet in the air and was very aggressive."
"Ultimately, the dog had to be put down," Ford said.
Helena Jalbert, who was awoken by the dog, said she is thankful to the officers and dog officer for responding quickly. Jalbert said the incident was "horrifying" and said she is glad that the dog is no longer a threat. She said it tried to go through the door and get at her husband.
Dog Officer Fred Guzik, who is retiring July 1, said he has no idea if the dog was rabid, had distemper, or some other ailment. The dog will not be tested for rabies because it did not bite anyone, Guzik said.
Guzik said he has managed not to get bitten on the 22½ years he has been on the job, but when he encountered this dog, he thought the streak was over. Guzik still avoided getting bitten.
"I'm just glad it didn't leave the area and that nobody got hurt," Guzik said.
The dog had no tags on, and Jalbert said she had never seen it before.
(The Republican - June 28, 2011)
