Dangerous Dog Owner Speaks to Selectmen

The Chelmsford Board of Selectmen heard testimony from the owner of a dog that was deemed dangerous in February, and it appears a resolution could be reached by the weekend.

Valerie Kopacz of 42 Bridge St. attended the Selectmen’s meeting on Monday a week after the board issued an ultimatum that further steps had to be taken to properly fence and muzzle the dog, or the board may be forced to euthanize it.

Kopacz defended her absence from earlier meetings, stating a variety of responsibilities ranging from volunteering for groups in town to her duties as a single parent to her attempts to find legal assistance in the matter.

However, she told the board that despite reaching out to half a dozen attorneys, the lack of a monetary award made it difficult to find support, which she could only obtain from a friend with legal experience in California.

Kopacz also began her testimony asking if certain information she deemed sensitive could be provided to the board but not released to the public, which Town Manager Paul Cohen and Chairman Matt Hanson said would not be legally feasible.

“No one wants to take my case because of the nature of what it is. I wanted to make you aware that I’m not negligent,” she said. “As a single mom, I just didn’t want to throw everything to make it public knowledge.”

Kopacz also asked for clarification from the board on specifications for the recommended fencing, with Hanson ultimately citing state law to clarify what exactly is needed.

While she also wished to appeal the decision that her dog, a German Sheppard named Katie, was dangerous, Hanson told her that she was welcome to appeal that decision at a later date, but that the decision had already been made.

Selectman Jim Lane reminded and further clarified the situation to Kopacz that the dog had to be muzzled unless indoors or inside a pen mandated by the board at earlier meetings.

“We want to get you to a point where you can enjoy your dog without public safety being jeopardized,” he said.

Kopacz told the board that the 20 by six foot chain link two foot deep enclosure would be completed on a day this weekend, with the Board asking her to inform Cohen’s office on the exact day so a member of the Chelmsford Police Department could confirm the fence has been properly installed.

The board unanimously passed a motion mandating the installation occur before their next meeting on June 2, with a hearing to occur then on the issue.

Kopacz also had fears  that neighbors may file frivolous claims in the hope of euthanizing her dog, following complaints made anonymously due to fears of retaliation. She was informed that evidence of violations would be required before any further likely action would be forthcoming.