Tuesday’s Halifax Board of Selectmen meeting had a dog hearing over a German Shepperd killing a small Monti dog.
Because of cooperation between the dog owners, the German Shepperd is being given a second chance rather than being put down.
When describing what happened the owner of the German Shepperd said he was playing catch with a football with the dog in the front yard. The electric fence was not up because the dog was on leash. When the owner threw the ball the ball though, the leash failed. Katie who also lives at White Island Road was walking her two dogs at the time.
He heard screams after throwing the ball. This was when the German Shepperd grabbed the five-month-old Monti in its mouth and shook it. The dog succumbed to its injuries.
The owner of the victim’s dog vouched that the German Shepperd isn’t a vicious dog but believed it didn’t know what it was doing. After a recommendation from Animal Control Officer Noreen Callahan, the Board of Selectmen ordered the 17-month-old German Shepperd get training, stay up-to-date on its licensing at all times, and a permanent fence be installed in the owner’s yard.
“I don’t think it knew what it was doing, Katie who owned the dog that was killed said when describing the German Shepperd, “I don’t think it’s vicious.”
Selectman Thomas Millias said the situation was sad on both sides and after the testimony agreed the dog may not have attacked out of aggression. “The dog may have been riled up from play” Millias said. “It doesn’t fix things but at least we know.”
Katie told the Board of Selectmen that the German Shepperd’s owner took responsibility for the dog’s actions offering to pay restitution and paid the medical bills for her other dog.
Police Chief Selection Process Underway
The Board of Selectmen narrowed down their search for a new police chief to five applicants and two alternates in case any of the five decline to be interviewed. There were 28 total applicants.
At this point, the identities of the candidates were not revealed. The Board of Selectmen said they legally cannot release their names this early in the hiring process, All selected candidates were referred to by a number.
Several merits of the candidates were discussed. At least four of them had Masters degrees and several had military experience. One candidate was a colonel in the military police.
After the assessment center reviews the five candidates, Selectmen Chair Kim Roy said the names can be released. Interviews after that will be open to the public.
Wage and Personnel Appointment
The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved appointing Claudia Noble-Cotton to the Wage and Personnel Board.
Noble-Cotton has lived in Halifax for 15 years and has two teens at Silver lake High School. She said now that her children are older, she has more time to get involved.
Noble-Cotton’s experience aligns with the positions, Roy said. She works for JP Morgan in Boston and has experience with hiring and writing job description.
Other News
The Board of Selectmen approved a one-day liquor license for Our Lady of the Lake Cjurch’s Octoberfest. Only beer will be served at the event and all bartenders are T.I.P. certified.
The next Halifax Board of Selectmen Meeting is Tuesday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.