MASSACHUSETTS -- An Auburn couple is facing a $2,800 veterinary care bill after their dog, Petey, was viciously attacked by their neighbor's German shepherd last month.
On Nov. 19, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Joyce Konrad and her wife, Phyllis Kossak, opened their Sunrise Avenue front door to find their 24 lb. dog had been attacked at the bottom of their front steps.
"A 100 lb. German shepherd had our dog belly up, tearing at him. The shepherd did not back off," Konrad said.
On Nov. 19, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Joyce Konrad and her wife, Phyllis Kossak, opened their Sunrise Avenue front door to find their 24 lb. dog had been attacked at the bottom of their front steps.
"A 100 lb. German shepherd had our dog belly up, tearing at him. The shepherd did not back off," Konrad said.
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| Petey, lucky to be alive, after the attack |
Kossak, a Massachusetts state trooper, described the German Shepherd as "aggressive" and said the animal had to be poked with a rake and chased back to its owner -- Auburn School Committee Member Todd M. Hammond, who lives next door.
Kossak notified Hammond of the attack and was told Petey would be transported to the veterinarian for emergency care.
"Petey was referred to Tufts by Banfield Animal Hospital and subsequently received emergency surgery with a three day in-patient stay," Konrad said.
Kossak later contacted Auburn Dog Officer Darleen F. Belsito and told her Petey had been attacked by Hammond's dog and would be receiving emergency surgery at Tufts.
According to Kossak, Belsito stated she would talk to her boss on Monday, Nov. 21, about the incident. Kossak called Belsito on Wednesday, Nov. 23 and left a message on her answering machine, requesting a follow-up and cell phone number.
On Friday, Nov. 25, Konrad spoke to the dog officer by phone. According to Konrad, in response to her complaint over the lack of follow-up, Belsito responded, "Aren't I allowed to take a sick day?"
Konrad said she quickly ended the conversation.
Also that day, Kossak spoke with Development and Inspectional Services Director Andrew R. Pelletier. A written complaint was made, dated Nov. 19, from the Town of Auburn Board of Health against Todd Hammond.
"The Animal Control Officer of Oxford / Dudley, Sheila Donahue, visited the Hammond residence on Saturday, Nov. 26, and the Hammond animal was finally 'in house' quarantined," Konrad said.
According to the couple, the Auburn Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, and Town Manager were emailed using the Town of Auburn's "Online Resource" form over the weekend after Thanksgiving. Emails were also sent to Oxford's Board of Health with copy to Auburn's Board of Health on Sunday, Nov. 27 expressing thanks to Sheila Donahue for expeditiously handing the complaint.
Since the attack, Kossak and Konrad said they have received no response from Hammond.
The couple stated they were disappointed by the delayed response from Belsito. As an "on call officer" they expected the officer or another official should be available for assistance if required at any time.
"She should of been more efficient," Kossak said of the lack of response and follow-up within 48 hours of the attack. "They should have a little more accountability."
In regards to the attack, Hammond said his dog was on a leash in the yard.
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| Despite his horrific injuries, Animal Control officer Darleen F. Belsito doesn't consider the German Shepherd to be a nuisance |
"I had put the dog out on a leash in my front yard so he could relieve himself. In a matter of a few moments Ms. Kossak was at my front door and my dog was barking on my property," Hammond said.
"Ms. Kossak claimed my dog had bitten her dog and indicated she was taking her dog to the veterinarian," he added. "I noted to Ms. Kossak that my dog was on a leash and that the leash had been severed."
On Monday, Dec. 19 Hammond stated, "I do not know what occurred during the very brief time lapse between my dog being tied out and Ms. Kossak's arrival at my residence."
According to Kossak, the quarter of an inch wide, leather-fabric blend leash Hammond keeps on his dog is not appropriate to secure the large animal.
One month following the attack, Petey is back home with his family and in good condition with visible scars from his injuries.
Konrad said she remains hesitate to let Petey outside following the attack.
"All I have is his [Hammond's] word, and I don't find that too credible," she said.
The couple intends to present Hammond with Petey's emergency care charges for approximately $2,800.
(The Daily - Dec 27, 2011)
