Monday night held another hearing regarding the dangerous dog issue on Bridge Street, which began in February and has been before the Selectmen on several instances in May, June and other hearings with the dog's owner: Valerie Kopacz.
During the latest hearing on Monday, Chelmsford Animal Control Officer Erik Merrill (pictured) called the situation "a mockery" and noted that there wouldn't be further direct communication with Kopacz due to her hiring of an attorney, necessitating that the matter be referred to town legal counsel.
Merrill told the board that with their approval, the town had the option of seizing and euthanizing the dog, seizing and holding the dog in the town pound at $15 a day until she complies with earlier orders from the board, taking legal recourse, or taking no action at all.
He also noted that a similar incident happened with an earlier dog that was held in the town pound for several months before she paid, which he said would not be optimal due to acclimating a dog deemed as dangerous in an unfamiliar setting.
Due to confusion over whether Kopacz actually had followed the specific order relating to the dog, they clarified what had to be done in regards to a pen on her property, stating it must be done by July 10, with fines being levied at the board's next meeting on July 15 if she was not in compliance.
Kopacz was not present during the meeting.
You can see the full hearing for yourself on Chelmsford Telemedia video of the meeting (approximately from the 83:30 to 101:30 mark)
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