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Wrentham board delays decision on lifting muzzle order after neighbors report two bites
Summary
The Select Board heard competing testimony over whether to lift a muzzle restriction for a dog named Sheamus. Trainer and animal control officer reported no new incidents; neighbors said the dog had bitten family members twice. The board asked the town animal control officer to observe the dog and report back before deciding.
The Wrentham Select Board heard competing accounts Aug. 13 about whether to lift a muzzle restriction imposed in December 2023 on a dog identified as Sheamus.
Attorney for the dog owner, Attorney Langer, asked the board to remove the muzzle restriction and said the owner has complied with other conditions. Trainer Sue Tibido, who has worked with Sheamus, told the board that while she is not a behavioral specialist she believes ‘‘management is sufficient’’ and that the dog has been predictable and manageable since the order.
Neighbors who live adjacent to the Cotas, identified in the record as the Davises, said they remain worried about safety. One neighbor testified, “the dog has not just bit me once; it’s bit us twice,” and urged the board to keep restrictions in place to protect children in the household.
Town counsel Attorney Chaplain advised the board that removing a condition is within the board’s authority but not a legal obligation. The town’s animal control officer, Alexandria Clank, provided a written statement saying she had not observed issues in her town interactions but recommended continued management measures and suggested the owner avoid walking the dog near the neighbor’s residence or use a muzzle if doing so.
Given the conflicting accounts, the board voted to delay a final decision and to arrange for the town animal control officer to meet the dog, observe its behavior with the requesting parties present, and report back—ideally for the first September meeting. The Cotas agreed to meet with the town officer and requested that the neighbor be present during any observation.
The board took no vote to lift the muzzle restriction; the action is continued pending the animal control officer’s report.
Next steps: Town staff to schedule an animal control officer observation of Sheamus, with interested parties allowed to be present; board will revisit the restriction at a future meeting.
