Alyssa McGuire (left) is seen at a hearing with the Southwick Selectboard regarding a dog bite incident. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – A continued public hearing regarding a dog bite incident took place during the Select Board meeting on Tuesday night that resulted in one dog passing away.
A complaint was made by Alyssa Mcguire, who resides on Klaus Anderson Rd., alleging a complaint of vicious dogs, nuisance, barking, annoyance, and attack on other dogs.
Giving her testimony to the Select Board, Mcguire claimed that on October 8 at around 4:30 p.m., she was walking her 8-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Clyde, on a leash in the cornfields near her home. McGuire then saw two dogs from a distance that began to approach her and Clyde. She went on to say that when the dogs came at her and Clyde, she picked her dog up, but Clyde went to the ground and the two dogs were biting Clyde.
“I was scared,” said McGuire.
McGuire then informed the Select Board that she saw her neighbor, Kaitlin Massai, the owner of the two dogs, run over to help with the situation. After Massai helped McGuire calm the situation, McGuire was able to get Clyde back into the home, but the two dogs were still trying to go after Clyde. McGuire also noted that she did seek medical attention, received a hand x-ray, but required no stitches.
Southwick Police officer Roger Arduini then read a report from Det. Sgt. Tom Krutka, who was the first officer to arrive on scene. Krutka said it appeared Clyde had blood spots and was bitten, but didn’t appeared to be stressed. Although, the dog would need to seek immediate treatment.
After Clyde was transported to an animal hospital, it was determined the next day that he passed away.
McGuire’s boyfriend, Nicholas Cannon, who lives with McGuire said he was asleep when the incident happened and came outside to find out what was happening.
“I’m more concerned about her safety,” said Cannon. “She definitely has a lot of emotional turmoil due to this.”
Massai then gave her testimony and said she left her two dogs outside in the yard and then heard screaming. When running towards the incident, Massai claimed that McGuire didn’t have a leash on Clyde. Massai did say her dogs did bite Clyde, but certainly not McGuire. Massai said she did suffer some nerve damage on her hand as she tried to lay on Clyde to help stop the incident and Clyde bit her.
“I knew my dogs aren’t ever capable of biting a human,” said Massai.
Shortly after the incident, Massai told the Select Board she checked on McGuire and Clyde, and saw Clyde did have cuts on him but wasn’t crying or in distress. The next day, Massai said she checked on the McGuire’s again.
“I walked into a very confrontational environment,” said Massai. “Her (McGuire’s) boyfriend had threatened to shoot my dogs.”
Dave Massai then spoke and brought several photos to the board to show his dogs being playful with his three children. He also mentioned his dogs are licensed with the town and all of their rabies vaccinations are up to date with the paperwork to show for it.
“I’m horrified that Clyde passed away, no words can take back Clyde,” said Massai. “But, to label my dogs as dangerous based on one incident is unfair.”
Kaitlin Massai then stood up and responded why the two dogs attacked Clyde.
“They’re puppies and saw something small and ran after it,” said Massai.
With the two dogs being the breed of a Malinois or Belgian Shepherd, Massai pointed out that they’re bred specifically to go after small animals and like to play.
“It wants to play, these dogs play non-stop,” said Massai.
The Massai’s said that the two dogs, Levi and Luna, don’t go outside now unless they’re on a runner.
Cannon’s mother, Malin, gave a testimony of her own as she took Clyde to the hospital for his injuries.
“He was a mess and he was attacked by two dogs,” said Cannon. “They came over, they attacked a small dog.”
Tracy Root, the Southwick Animal Control Officer, sent a letter to the Select Board on October 17 to give her thoughts on the incident.
“I’m not an animal behavioralist, but this is a case of pack mentality as I see it,” said Root.
Root’s recommendation would be to have the two dogs be enclosed in a 12 ft. by 12 ft. pen for each dog and the top and bottom should be stable to keep them from not getting out. If outside, the leash on the dogs shouldn’t have more than a length of six feet.
Liz Bennett, the Assistant Animal Control Officer, gave her thoughts on the incident, with over 30 years of experience dealing with dogs. Bennett said the Malinois breed are extremely intelligent and motivated.
“Once they cross this line of play vs. killing, they’re not going to play anymore,” said Bennett. “They’re fabulous dogs as far as their intelligence goes, it’s unfortunate that they’ve crossed that line.”
The Select Board agreed that they would continue the hearing as they’re looking to pursue more legal clarification. The continued hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
