Sharon Selectboard holds hearing after bicyclist bitten by neighbor's dogs

The Town of Sharon Selectboard met April 27 for a statutory "vicious dog" hearing after resident Anne Foley reported being bitten while bicycling uphill on a road in town. Chair Scott Henkels read the complaint and the required hearing notice, administered oaths and confirmed there were no disclosures of conflict or ex parte communications.

Foley testified that she and the dog owner were traveling the same direction on the same side of the road when she called out to the dogs; she said the animals appeared more activated after she called and that the owner crossed the road to increase distance but the incident nonetheless occurred. Dog owners Katy Taylor and Zach Blanchard apologized during testimony and described immediate steps taken after the incident: installing fenced containment, purchasing GPS training collars for both dogs (Jinx and Gus) and deciding to walk each dog separately. Taylor said she was "devastated" the incident happened and that she did not wish it on anyone.

Animal Control Officer Jim Armbruster submitted a written report and confirmed the town received Foley's medical report from her provider. Board members asked about commands given during the incident and the type of collars in use; Katy said she believed she told Jinx "No," and confirmed Jinx was wearing both a prong collar and a martingale collar at the time. Zach and Jim confirmed the dogs are now registered with the town and that Jinx's rabies vaccination is valid through June 2026.

With testimony and documentary evidence received, Kevin Gish moved to adjourn the public hearing at 6:58 p.m. and enter deliberative session; Ted Austin seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The board did not announce a final determination in the public record at the close of the hearing.