Weston Select Board continues Great Dane hearing to September 12

WESTON — August 30, 2023 — Weston Select Board hears two hours of testimony on a pair of Great Danes before continuing the matter to September 12. Three Ash Street neighbors — Robert Baker, Star Petit, and Patrick O'Donnell — testified before Chair Lise N. Revers and two board members about being knocked down or having their dogs attacked by the Selvigs' Great Danes, Gracie and Olive, in a series of incidents dating to June 2022. Animal control officer Karen O'Reilly documented nine reported incidents involving five complainants and recommended mandatory muzzling, a 300-pound-tensile-strength leash no longer than three feet, and proof of at least $100,000 in dog-liability insurance. Attorney Jeremy Cohen of Boston Dog Lawyers, representing the Selvigs, urged the board to issue a nuisance rather than dangerous finding, arguing training "can be coached" and that certified trainer Jackie O'Neill of Colonial Dog Training has assessed both dogs as trainable. The board voted unanimously to close the evidentiary record and will deliberate and issue an order at its September 12 meeting; it also unanimously appointed assistant town clerk Diane Pool as temporary town clerk following a retirement, and approved a trial schedule opening town hall on Fridays until 1 p.m. rather than noon.