The September 28, 2011, meeting of the Animal Advisory Committee was held in the Earle Mountain Room at Eastham Town Hall. This was a special meeting convened to prepare formal recommendations for the Board of Selectmen
concerning the Foley dog bite case.
Chair Marty Haspel called the meeting to order at 6:33pm.
Attending: Martin Haspel, William O'Shea, Kerry Reid, Joanne Baldauf
Chair Haspel informed the group that since the Foley case involved a dog bite, the issue should have been referred directly to the Board of Selectmen rather than initially to the committee. The case hearing would be on the agenda of the Board of Selectmen on October 17, 2011, at 5:1Opm. The AAC followed the procedures we were supposed to follow in our meeting with Ms. Foley
and the residents since it was not a hearing. It was noted that Diana, Sheila and the Chief were in the process of working out procedures.
It was reported that the dogs are now out of town. This may make the meeting moot.
C. Johnston, the trainer/behaviorist consulted by Ms. Foley, utilizes negative reinforcement (electric shock) to "treat" aggressive behavior. This approach, which may be a temporary deterrent can actually make things worse.
A motion was made by William O'Shea and seconded by Kerry Reid to accept the clerk's minutes of the September 1, 2011, meeting as amended. Motion passed unanimously.
The committee's recommendations for Ms. Foley (discussed at the September 1, 2011 meeting) were adapted by Chair Haspel as a draft for recommendations to be submitted to the Board of Selectmen. The draft was reviewed for content, edited, and approved as moved by William O'Shea and seconded by Kerry Reid. It was approved unanimously.
The October 5, 2011, AAC meeting was cancelled by common consent. The next meeting will be scheduled for November 2, 2011.
The meeting adjourned at 7:19pm.
Respectfully submitted
Joanne Baldauf, Clerk
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