MASSACHUSETTS -- In response to a complaint filed last summer by resident Sam Ramondelli, selectmen held a dog hearing Tuesday night.
Dagan, a 75-pound, 5-year-old male Staffordshire terrier attacked Mr. Ramondelli's 17-year-old daughter, Sabrina, on July 5. Ms. Ramondelli suffered cuts to her left shoulder and leg, which required a total of 12 stitches.
Dagan's owner, William Beatteay, said Ms. Ramondelli and a friend had come onto his property at 890 Flat Hill Road uninvited when the attack happened. The dog was restrained on a leash at the time he jumped up on the girl.
The dog has a history of jumping on people when excited. According to property owner Patricia Beatteay, the dog has a problem with that behavior. "He's jumped up and done it to me before," she said.
Animal Control Officer Kathleen M. Comeau said that there had been no previous complaints about the animal and that she did not issue a fine, since the dog was restrained at the time of the incident.
Selectman Dave Matthews had his own suggestion to avoid further issues. "I would recommend you have the dog neutered," he said.
After listening to each side of the issue, selectmen deemed the dog dangerous, rather than a nuisance, and ordered that he be kept restrained when outside and also whenever he is taken away from the property.
(Worcester Telegram - October 1, 2013)
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