Plymouth officials have cleared the way for a dangerous dog to be humanely euthanized after a string of reported bites, an alleged confrontation involving police and a failed effort to bring its owner into compliance with safety orders. The Select Board voted 2-1 to affirm hearing officer Christopher Badot’s decision involving Rosemary Quintal’s unlicensed and unvaccinated dog. David Golden and Deb Iaquinto voted in favor, Bill Keohan voted against, and Kevin Canty and Richard Quintal recused themselves, according to South Shore News.
From Safety Orders To A Court Warrant
A formal dangerous-dog hearing was held April 29, followed by Badot’s June 3 ruling requiring Quintal to securely contain the dog, muzzle it when off the property, vaccinate it and obtain a license. Plymouth’s dog-control code gives the town authority to investigate dangerous-dog complaints and impose orders designed to protect the public.
South Shore News reported that Quintal did not appeal the ruling or satisfy the safety mandates. The dog then reportedly bit a neighbor on July 15, attempted to attack that neighbor the next day and was seized July 22 after town officials obtained a court warrant; animal-control officials said the dog remained intensely aggressive while impounded.
What Massachusetts Law Allows
Massachusetts law defines a dangerous dog based on conduct, including an unjustified attack that causes injury or behavior that creates an imminent threat of physical injury or death. The law allows a hearing authority to order humane euthanasia, bars a dangerous dog from simply being removed from the municipality and gives the owner 10 days to seek district-court review, according to Massachusetts law.
The case also includes a separate criminal matter: Quintal faces pending charges alleging that she used the dog to interfere with Plymouth police officers during an April incident. Those allegations remain unresolved, but the board’s vote confirms that the town’s dangerous-dog process has moved from restrictions and attempted compliance to a final euthanasia order.
