September 15th, 2009 by admin2

Billerica banishes dog from the town

BILLERICA — Standing before selectmen last night, Glen Munson pulled up his shirt sleeve to reveal scars he’ll bear for the rest of his life.

On June 12, Munson was viciously attacked without provocation by a Rottweiler as he walked home from work about 7 p.m. The 33-year-old scientist was taken by ambulance to Saints Medical Center in Lowell where he was treated for deep bite marks to his right arm and left hand.

In a 3-1 vote last night, selectmen declared the dog dangerous and banished it from Billerica. The decision was handed down despite the owners’ insistence that their 3-year-old dog never acted aggressively before or after the attack on Munson.

The dog’s owners, Richard and Henryka Smejlik, of 20 Old Elm St., showed selectmen a series of photos of their pet appearing to interact calmly with very young children. Richard Smejlik also said his wife, who was handling the dog at the time of the attack, would no longer take the animal for walks.

“He’s not dangerous,” said Richard Smejlik, a Polish immigrant who speaks limited English. “He never makes trouble.”

But in a key piece of testimony during the public hearing, police Officer Stephen Cogswell revealed that the dog, named Otis, was involved in a violent altercation with another dog last September.

Cogswell said police responded to Veterans Park on Sept. 6, 2008, after Richard Smejlik reported his dog was in a fight with an unleashed “yellow” dog. Smejlik said he was bitten in

“I think this goes a way toward learning about the disposition of this dog,” said Selectman Mike Rosa, after hearing about the earlier incident.

Cogswell also told selectmen that Henryka Smejlik was carrying a muzzle at the time of the attack. Smejlik had difficulty controlling the dog after it bit Munson, said Cogswell, but was eventually able to place the muzzle she had with her on the dog’s mouth.

Selectmen Rosa, Bob Correnti and Bob Accomando voted to force the Smejliks to remove their dog from Billerica within 14 days. If the dog is relocated to another community, the Smejliks must notify authorities of the animal’s violent past.

Before the final vote was taken, Lombardo implored his colleagues to reconsider, saying he does not think the dog is a “killer.”

“I used to laugh when people said a dog is part of a family, but it’s no joke,” said Lombardo, who preferred sending the dog to obedience classes and having it checked on periodically by the town’s animal-control officer. “Maybe it’s because I have a dog, so I have more emotions. It’s really serious taking a dog away from a family.”

Rosa countered that if the dog had attacked a child, it could have resulted in death.

“We could be here under much more serious circumstances,” said Rosa. “If we don’t deal with our role to protect the public in Billerica, then we’re not doing our due diligence.”

Andrew Deslaurier recused himself from the hearing because he lives next door to the Smejliks. He said he did not want his presence to pose a conflict of interest.

In other action, selectmen appointed Town Accountant Paul Watson interim town manager while the town searches for a replacement for former Manager Bill Williams. Watson will receive a $700-per-week stipend for the job, which will last about three months.

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Billerica, MA Animal Control Phone Number:  978-671-0909

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Billerica, MA Selectmen

Board Members

Marc T. Lombardo, Chairman

9 Eubar Circle

Billerica, MA  01821

(978) 362-3290

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Andrew Deslaurier, Vice Chairman

1 Wilson Street

North Billerica, MA  01862

(978) 262-1418

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Michael S. Rosa, Secretary

29 Riverdale Road

Billerica, MA  01821

(978) 663-2834

Robert B. Accomando, Member

134 Treble Cove Road

Billerica, MA 01862

(978) 670-9832

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Robert M. Correnti, Member

9 Francis Road

Billerica, MA  01821-3618

(978) 667-1411

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Billerica Town Manager’s Office

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday:  8:30am – 4:00pm

Contact Information:

365 Boston Rd.
Billerica, Ma 01821
Office# 207
Phone: (978) 671-0942
Fax: (978) 671-0947

About:

The Town Manager is the senior appointed office of the Town and is responsible for the effective operation of the Town’s administration. The Town Manager directs the administration of departments, as well as various boards and commissions. The Town Manager attends all meetings of the Board of Selectmen and advises and recommends actions related to the needs of the Town.

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