Charlton Select Board deems dog 'dangerous' and orders leash until secondary fence is installed

The Town of Charlton Select Board on Sept. 23 deemed a dog named Gia dangerous and ordered that the dog be kept humanely restrained — specifically leashed when outside — until the owner installs a secondary fencing solution, such as an underground or wireless boundary system.

The order followed a continuation of a dangerous‑dog hearing that began at the board’s May 27 meeting and resumed Tuesday evening in Town Hall. Animal Control Officer Ace L. Sears told the board the dog has repeatedly left the owner’s property and gone directly to a neighbor’s yard; while no physical attack was reported during the most recent escape, the officer recommended imposing the dangerous‑dog designation because the dog “gets out” and “goes directly over to their property every single time.” Sears summarized the recommendation: “So those are my — that's my recommendation.”

Why it matters: A dangerous‑dog designation carries legal and insurance implications for the owner and enables the board to require specific steps to reduce future risk. The order requires the dog be kept on a leash when outdoors immediately and until the owner installs an agreed…