Board Orders 24/7 Muzzle for Dog Who Bit Four Acton Residents in Three Years

Within the past three years, Spike, a neutered Jack Russell owned by Jessica Boutin, of 263 Arlington Street, Acton, attacked and bit four Acton citizens, two children and two adults outside its residence. None of the bites were serious or life threatening. Spike was never licensed in Acton until last Friday and did not have an updated rabies vaccination during two of the bites.

• The first attack (December 7, 2010): Hans Friedrichs, then 11-years-old, was riding his bike to when Spike broke free from his leash and bit him on his finger. 

• The second attack (January 29, 2011): Neighbor, Jill Tomasello was bit by Spike on the hand after the dog broke free from his leash.

• The third attack (April 22, 2012): Boxborough resident, Richard Cowett was walking his two dogs when Spike broke free from the inside of the home and attacked Cowett’s dogs. Cowett leaned over to pick up his dog and was bit by Spike.

• The fourth attack (May 4, 2012): Morgan Banta-Ryan, 10-years-old, was bit by Spike on her left palm, wrist and right elbow walking to school. 

Three of the four attacks happened when Spike was being walked by Jessica's son, Jeremiah, ten, and broke free from his leash.

See Acton Police Officer Patricia Sullivan’s police reports.

During Monday night’s Board of Selectmen meeting, the Board decided that Spike must wear a muzzle 24/7 (inside and outside the house), must be under the care of Jessica Boutin or her wife, Ashley Smith (not Jeremiah) when walking the dog, must be on a leash except when in a dog park, and if a fifth legal offense occurs involving Spike, the dog will automatically be deported from Acton.

Note: Selectmen David Clough was not present during the meeting.

The recommendation was brought forth by Acton Police Dog Officer Tac Palmer and implemented by the Board’s unanimous vote. Victims testified under oath about their encounter with Spike, except for 10-year-old Morgan, who was not present at the meeting.

Jessica Boutin and Ashley Smith were emotional about the verdict but were thankful the Board did not order Spike to leave Acton permanently; either to a non-lethal dog shelter or to be put-down.