Select Board hears motion to euthanize dangerous dog
The Select Board heard a motion to order the euthanasia of Zico, a dog it deemed dangerous June 3.
Select Board · Meeting of October 2, 2026
PEPPERELL — The Select Board heard a motion to order the euthanasia of Zico, a dog it deemed dangerous June 3. At an Oct. 2 hearing, animal control officer Meryl Laterno said the owner, Patrick, had supplied leashes, muzzles, licensing, insurance and payment of medical bills but never built the required pen, choosing indoor confinement. Members cited barking reports and one escape by Zico.
Town Administrator Andrew MacLean displayed the June checklist. The motion, under Chapter 140, Section 157, item 7, would also keep Lucy under monitoring as a nuisance dog. It was seconded, but the transcript did not capture the vote.
The owner would have 10 days to petition District Court.
In the full story:
- PEPPERELL — October 2, 2026 —
- Hearing Format and Background
- The Compliance Checklist
- The Pen Dispute
- Barking and Leash Questions
- Escape Incident
- Relocation and Legal Limits
- Fines and Statutory Options
- Deliberation
- One member said
- Procedural Outcome
- What Is Next
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report: 1,250 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of October 2, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.
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