Dangerous Dog Decision Pushed to Next Monday

As concerns by neighbors mount, the Board of Selectmen weighed the options on a dangerous dog and her hard-to-reach owner on Monday night. 

The issue of Katie, a declared dangerous German shepard owned by Valerie Kopacz of 42 Bridge St., has been before the board since February, where there was a lengthy discussion on installation of a fence along with a vote to keep the dog muzzled and restrained whenever outdoors.

Kopacz did not appear for a follow up in April before the board, and the fact that she did not appear on Monday led James Lane to speak fervently against her request to delay the issue again until June.

He made a motion to deny the delay and also force Kopacz to build the fence within 14 days or see her dog face euthanization.

"It's just beyond ridiculous," said Lane. "It's just a matter of time before that dog bites again."

However, there was confusion on the legality of directing her to install a fence due to confusion on whether she was officially directed to install a fence at the February meeting.

Chelmsford Police Animal Control officer Erik Merrill informed the board that Kopacz' restraint for the dog was tied between two trees, which was a violation of state law, and that he had received four complaints from neighbors who asked to be anonymous due to fears of retribution.

However, he informed the board that despite going to the house numerous times, he did not see the dog outside the home, and Kopacz did not answer her door at any of his visits.

While Lane's request to deny a continuation of the discussion until June was agreed upon by the other Selectmen, the board compromised to allow her one last chance during next Monday's meeting, citing that a letter would be delivered saying if she fails to appear, she could face actions up to euthanizing the dog.