MASSACHUSETTS -- Two chocolate Labrador retrievers that were banished from town are being returned to their owners, Executive Secretary Jeffrey Osuch said Monday.
Mr. Osuch said the return was part of a settlement agreement with their owners. The owners, Susan Staffon and Robert Lapointe of Ocean Avenue, hired an attorney after being told their dogs would have to be moved out of town.
Selectmen made the decision Feb. 19 after receiving complaints about the dogs' aggressive behavior. Animal Control Officer Terry Cripps said he witnessed their aggression personally when he responded to complaints. On that day, the dogs had gotten loose despite fencing installed around each exit.
Mr. Osuch said selectmen were unaware of changes to state law passed in October 2012 when they took the vote. The changes no longer allow for dogs to be sent to another community. As the law was worded previously, a move could take place if approved by the other community's animal control officer.
As part of the settlement, the dogs have to be collared and the owners have to install an electric fence.
Selectman Geoffrey Haworth voted to agree to the settlement, but he said he would have preferred that training was also required. The selectmen's office said the board could take steps in the future if the dogs are aggressive again.
(South Coast Today - March 21, 2014)
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