Biting dog will stay in town

By Scott Merzbach
Staff Writer

Published on January 09, 2009

A dog that has bitten three people in a North Amherst neighborhood since 2006 will continue to undergo behavior modification training, but will still have to wear a muzzle and be on a leash when outside the home.

The board Monday voted unanimously in favor of following the recommended restrictions on the dog, named Leah, that Animal Welfare Officer Carol Hepburn crafted with Karen Eddings, of 84 Blackberry Lane, the owner of the dog. This agreement sets out in specifics the required training, when the dog must be muzzled and other restrictions on the dog. Any violations will now lead to removal or euthanization of the dog immediately.

"I believe she should have another chance at this," Hepburn said. "That's my recommendation."

The dog, a German shepherd mix, also won't be able to walk on the street until a six-month training period is completed, instead having to be walked in isolated wooded areas outside town, and will have to wear a muzzle even in the yard for a time.

Board member Gerry Weiss wondered if the limitations on the dog would be detrimental to the dog. "It seems severe," Weiss said.

Hepburn said she does not think Leah will be negatively impacted by the restrictions and has a better chance of success by staying with Eddings, who has trained her well.

Vice Chairman Aaron Hayden suggested the dog needs to be rescued from the town and would like to see more freedom for the dog, rather than being cooped up in the residential neighborhood.

Hepburn said she wants to also ensure residents that the neighborhood will be safe from attack by the dog without having it removed from town or euthanized. She said the dog isn't considered vicious.

Eddings apologized to the community for the dog's actions. "I accept responsibility and am truly sorry," Eddings said.

Under tutelage of animal behaviorist Elise McMahon, who has been working with Leah, there is already evidence that the dog is having better interaction with its evaluators, including a test bicyclist who passed by the house. Leah has reacted negatively to people on wheels, such as bicyclists and skateboarders.

"Leah is a quick and eager learner," Hepburn said.

Hepburn said Leah should not cause any more issues in the future because of training, but understands that there will always remain a small risk to the public. "She has learned a lot," Hepburn said, "I'm sticking my neck out here."