Select Board clarifies 'Thor' nuisance-dog order; no immediate change ordered

The Select Board revisited a previously issued nuisance-dog order for a dog identified in discussion as 'Thor,' clarifying that the board’s official order allows the dog to be un-muzzled inside a fenced-in yard but requires a muzzle and a six-foot lead when the dog is off the owner’s premises.

The town manager said he reviewed the June 8 meeting minutes and video and found the minutes reflect the board’s action; he attributed confusion to differing drafts of a lawyer’s letter that included an extra condition requiring a muzzle in the fenced area. “So there's really no need for the request to reduce the order because the order is already at what's being recommended,” the manager said, adding he would rewrite the attorney letter to match the official order and distribute corrected copies to interested parties. A six-month check-in is expected in January.

The resident who raised concerns at the meeting said she had not received notice of prior proposed changes and asked to be kept informed; the manager affirmed she will be notified of any future attempts to change the order. The board confirmed there is no action required at this meeting to alter the order.

Next steps: manager will issue the corrected order letter and ensure the affected parties receive notice ahead of the January check-in.