Selectmen deemed two trained hunting dogs dangerous and imposed restrictions on the animals after they killed a Chihuahua during an “unfortunate accident.”

On Tuesday, board members ordered that Charles and Anne Taft of Glenwood Circle keep their two Munsterlanders on a 3-foot leash when outside after hearing testimony from the couple. The Chihuahua’s owners were not present for the hearing.

In past cases, board members have ordered owners to muzzle animals and install fencing on the property – among other conditions – after dog attacks. The Tafts, board members noted, already have a nearly 7-foot high enclosure for the dogs.

The incident occurred on Nov. 20 when the two dogs got loose from the enclosure. According to a report from Wareham Department of Natural Resources Director Garry Buckminster, the Munsterlanders killed a 9-year-old Chihuahua that belonged to one of the Taft’s neighbors. At the time, the Chihuahua was off leash in an adjacent vacant lot.

The Chihuahua was rushed to a veterinary hospital, but died on the operating table, according to Buckminster.

Charles Taft said the Chihuahua belonged to neighbors who are also close friends. He said everyone involved was “devastated.”

“We’ve never had any problems in the past and had no reason to believe our dogs would act aggressively to other dogs,” said Charles. He added that his pets may have thought the Chihuahua was a squirrel.

Board members briefly debated on imposing the usual restrictions on dangerous dogs, which would have included muzzling the animals when off the property. Ultimately, board members said the Tafts, who paid the $2,125 veterinary bill and appeared to be responsible owners, should be given a lighter punishment. 

“[The Tafts] should be commended for taking care of the vet bill, which is not insubstantial,” said Selectman Peter Teitelbaum. “They are doing the right thing.”

The couple reiterated how terrible the incident was for all.

“I know they are heartbroken,” said Anne about her friends. “And so are we.”