Animal Advisory Committee Incident #12-20944-0F January 29, 2013
Minutes #1
Chair Martin Haspel called the meeting to order at 2 P.M. in the Conference noom at the Eastham Police Department.
Attending: Martin Haspel, Kerry A.Reid, Roger Dumas, Joanne Baldauf, and Dana Greene.
Chair Haspel explained the reason for this meeting was to better the Committee's understanding of the events of Incident Report #12-20944-0F to aid the Committee in preparation of its report to the Board of Selectmen concerning the Greene-Carbone matter for their February 19, 2013, meeting. He introduced the Committee members and each gave an overview of their relevant animal background data.
Ms. Greene, owner of The Painted Dog Bed and Breakfast which is a pet friendly facility, proceeded to relate the story of the incident. She supplied the Committee with photographs of the site and of her dog's injuries and noted that Lombard Lane is the only exit to the back from her property and is where she receives her mail delivery. She and her guests walk their dogs there. Since the incident she does not walk there anymore. Ms. Greene described the incident saying that she was "still in shock" and the memory caused her to say she could barely breathe and barely talk about it. She also stated that she was sure her dog was dead because
of the pit hull's attack.
Chair Haspel interjected that the dog in question was not a pit bull but an American bulldog as was noted on the town license form. Chair Haspel asked if there had ever been any previous interactions with her dog and Ms. Greene said, "No."
Chair Haspel asked if there had ever been an incident where her dog was on
the Carbones' property and mounted their dog. Ms. Greene replied, "NO." She explained that her dog is not dominant, is timid and is spayed. She reiterated that she had never been on the Carbone's property and always walked her dog on leash. She added that the Carbones' dogs are alone all day in the house and on the porch. She also stated, "He (the dog) tried to kill my Misty," showing again the pictures of her dog's injuries to the neck.
When Mr. Carbone offered to pay the vet bills ($215) , she called him a genius carpenter and alleged he asked to do work. Ms. Greene suggested he use the money to consult a positive reinforcement practitioner and gave him the name of a dog behaviorist she recommended.
Chair Haspel interjected that there currently is not a behaviorist on the Cape. He recommended the Animal Behavior Clinic at Tufts or Imbi Kiiss, who follows closely Tufts work and is sometimes used by them. Any evaluation should be done by an expert.
Ms. Greene stated that the Carbones' fencing is not adequate for a pit bull and that a higher more solid fence was needed. She suggested topping it with barbed wire.
Chair Haspel asked if there had been any interactions with guest dogs. Ms. Greene denied any interactions and stated, "I'm out of business." She continued to insist the Carbones were not responsible dog owners.
Informed that when asked to SIT, DOWN, shake, and DROP IT, the Carbones' dog had complied. Ms. Greene said ,"He said STOP, but that didn't work."
When asked what she would like to happen, Ms. Greene suggested that the dog be given to pit bull rescue...preferably in Utah. She added that she would not like the dog to be allowed on the deck of his house or on the top of the sofa in the front window of his house looking out at the street. Best of all, would be to have it gone.
Chair Haspel referred Ms. Greene to Section 7 of the new state animal control regulations which define "nuisance" and "dangerous" dogs. He then gave her a copy of the new regulations. Members of the Committee suggested that increasing the height of the current fence found suitable by the ACO, limiting visual stimulation of same by blocking slats, reconfiguring the deck area, and keeping the dog on leash unless it is in the house or fenced back yard might make the current situation less of a problem.
The meeting adjourned at 3:38P.M. Respectfully submitted,
Joanne Baldauf, Clerk
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