West Brookfield to take pit bull owner to court over fence

MASSACHUSETTS -- After giving a dog owner extended months to erect a fence to confine his canine, selectmen voted Tuesday to go to court for a judicial confinement order.

In September, for the second time in two years, Kenneth Bliss of Oak Drive was ordered by selectmen to restrain his 70-pound pit bull and was given 30 days to erect a 6-foot chain-link fence to confine the dog.

That decision resulted from a complaint by Susan Talbot of Highland Trail, who said that in late August Mr. Bliss' dog attacked Ms. Talbot's six-pound dog, which was on a leash. The leash enabled her to retrieve the small dog before it was injured, she said.

Animal Control Officer Leah Shattuck confirmed to selectmen that Mr. Bliss had erected a fence, but said it had no gate, was not 6 feet tall and appeared flimsy in terms of confinement capability.

"It's not what you requested," she said.

Mr. Bliss was not at the meeting, but Ms. Talbot was.

"I don't feel safe in the neighborhood," Ms. Talbot said. "The (Bliss) dog just wants to go after my dog. She's only six pounds. I'm scared for my animal."

Selectman Sarah J. Allen proposed the action in court and the other two board members agreed.

"Start proceedings in court to have the dog confined by some means," Ms. Allen said. "We'll go from there."

(Telegram - Dec 23, 2014)