Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control Dangerous Dog topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Charlton hearing examines owner containment, board debates 'dangerous dog' designation for dog named Gia
Summary
At a Sept. 23 public hearing the Select Board heard neighbours and the animal control officer about repeated incidents involving a dog named Gia. The officer recommended classifying Gia as a dangerous dog and the board discussed nonlethal containment requirements; the transcript does not record a final vote tally.
The Town of Charlton Select Board on Sept. 23 held a public hearing about repeated neighborhood incidents involving a dog identified as Gia.
Animal control staff and neighbors described multiple instances in which Gia left her yard and went onto an adjacent property. The animal control officer told the board, "I do believe that Gia can be considered a dangerous dog due to her ill intent to harm her when she gets out," and recommended steps consistent with Massachusetts law. Pet owner Kelly LePage told the board she is "willing to do whatever it takes," described reliance on a dog sitter during work periods, and said she has taken measures since the last incident, including using a leash and adding signage and cameras.
Why it matters: A dangerous‑dog determination can impose containment and registration requirements on an owner and can affect insurance and housing. The board discussed nonlethal containment options — including an underground containment system or a wireless GPS collar — as alternatives to euthanasia and focused on measures to keep the dog on the owner’s property.
Hearing details and testimony
- Animal control officer: described multiple incidents, said the dog repeatedly goes to the neighbor's property when loose and recommended classifying Gia as a dangerous dog under Massachusetts General Laws and imposing containment requirements. - Kelly LePage (dog owner): said she takes responsibility and described steps she has taken and will take, including installing cameras, using a leash and considering an underground containment or wireless GPS collar; she expressed concern about shock‑collar use for a 10‑year‑old dog but said she would comply with reasonable containment measures. - Neighbor testimony: neighbors described prior incidents and said the dog "knew" to go to the neighbor’s yard on at least two occasions; one neighbor asked for a shorter timeline than a 90‑day order to show compliance.
Board discussion and motion
Several board members and attendees urged nonlethal containment measures. A motion was made and seconded to declare Gia a dangerous dog and to require that the dog be kept on a leash and enclosed by an underground containment system (or equivalent). The transcript records the motion and second but does not record an explicit roll‑call tally or a final, named vote outcome in the public record provided.
Next steps and compliance
At the hearing the board and attendees discussed timelines and technical options. Questions remained in the transcript about the deadline for installing a secondary containment system; a board member asked for clarification and was told the board would provide a timeline, but the transcript does not record a specific number of days or a final enforcement date.
Legal context: hearing commentary cited Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) regarding dangerous‑dog procedures and the role of the Worcester County Retirement Board was referenced in unrelated agenda items. The animal control officer indicated that a dangerous‑dog classification can affect insurance coverage and municipal liability.
The board indicated that its decision can be appealed under the statutory process; the hearing record recommends nonlethal containment and did not include any motion to euthanize the animal.
