Braintree select board holds hearing on dog attack; decision due within 45 days

The Braintree Select Board held a quasi-judicial hearing to review a complaint that a large dog chased and bit a resident while she was bicycling. The complainant, Michael, told the board his wife discovered a puncture wound after the encounter and sought medical care to assess infection and rabies risk. "We did find that the dog ... didn't have a a vaccination," Michael said during his account.

The hearing officer explained procedures and timeline, telling participants, "we have 45 days from the time we close the hearing to make a decision." Board members asked witnesses and the dog owner questions about the incident, containment, and the animal's history. The board said its possible actions under state law range "from nothing to lots," including requirements for leash or fence, confinement, or, at the far end, disposition of the animal. The chair emphasized the hearing would be suspended for deliberation and that the board would notify parties of its decision by certified mail.

The respondent said the dog, identified as Titan, is about 2 years old and moves between properties. The owner said Titan had been rescued and has previously been controlled with a leash or tie; the owner also acknowledged a rabies vaccination had lapsed and said he had documentation of prior vaccination. Staff present (referred to by participants as Steve) will collect photos and any medical reports emailed by the complainant and coordinate next steps. The board noted that Select Board member Colin Evans was participating remotely and will be part of the decision-making quorum.

The hearing remains suspended while the board gathers any outstanding information; no formal vote or final action was recorded at the session.