The Select Board voted to adopt animal control’s recommendations for two dogs deemed “dangerous” during its meeting Tuesday, June 13.

The two dogs, Buoy, a brindle Dutch Shepherd, and Bushido, a white Dogo Argentino, are owned by Russell and Shannon Kriehn of 24 Old Glen Charlie Road. The Kriehns have 30 days to meet all of the recommendations. 

Animal Control Officer Devin Cloutier said she responded to two reports of dog bites within a 10-day period. The Kriehns violated a 10-day rabies quarantine instated April 27, which resulted in the second bite.

The neighbor’s dogs were the victims of these bites. It was not determined whether Buoy or Bushido bit in the first report, so both dogs were quarantined. However, Bushido was involved in the second bite after escaping the property.

Cloutier said, “Mr. And Mrs. Kriehn have proven to be unable to effectively restrain their dogs in a manner that can ensure the safety of the surrounding neighbors and their pets. Several neighbors have voiced their great fears of these dogs who continue to escape and attack.”

She added videos of the dogs involved in “highly aggressive attacks” were sent by neighbors and she heard of several incidents of bites that went unreported, including human bites.

While Bushido often escapes the property, Buoy has only left twice that Cloutier knows of. Shannon Kriehn disagreed, stating Buoy only ever left the property when accompanied by her.

Cloutier said this may be true for the second incident, but this was through verbal restraint while the law requires physical restraint.

Buoy also has a history of biting humans on the Kriehns’ property, according to Russell Kriehn. 

Several neighbors attended the hearing to testify against the dogs sharing stories and incidents of the dogs engaged in similar, aggressive behaviors.

Cloutier said her recommendations, which are under Massachusetts general law, are for both dogs and are solely based on the two calls she received.

Her recommendations include: The dogs should be humanely restrained. The dogs should be confined to the owners’ property, which needs to be securely closed on all four sides inside or outside, and any outdoor shelter should protect the dogs from the elements. 

When not on the property, the dogs must be humanely restrained with a muzzle and a three-foot or less tether with a minimum strength of 300 pounds. The owners’ must provide proof of insurance in an amount not less than $100,000 or proof of effort to obtain such a policy.

Owners’ must provide to the licensing authority, an animal control officer, or other entity information to identify the dog throughout its life, such as photos, medical records, microchipping or tattoos.

The final recommendation requires the dogs to be altered to ensure they are not reproductively intact unless a veterinarian deems them unfit for such a procedure for medical reasons.

For Bushido, Cloutier said if the owners do not or choose not to accept the recommendations, the dog shall be euthanized. 

The Select Board unanimously voted to decree both dogs dangerous.

The board held separate votes for the two dogs, both to include the first six recommendations, and with the added stipulation of euthanization for Bushido if the recommendations are not followed.

Both votes passed 4-1-0.

The Kriehns said they have followed all the recommendations, except they were still looking to buy a muzzle. They also said the dogs are enrolled in a training program. However, one side of their property is a waterfront, which does have fencing, but is an environmental concern.