Dog's Death Sentence Appealed By Owners

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A judge will review a recent decision by the selectmen to have a dog euthanized, Town Manager Bill Keegan told the selectmen Tuesday.

Lisa and Mark Brennan, the owner of the mixed-breed dog Lacey, have decided to file a court appeal, Keegan said. The discussion was not on the original agenda and was added Monday due to the unexpected nature of the update.

With the appeal expected, the board, as they are allowed to, voted 5-0 to impound the dog for the duration of the appeal. Animal Control Officer Sue Thibedeau is expected to take custody of the dog Wednesday.

The appeal follows a vote by the selectmen to euthanize the dog for a February dog attack. According to a report from Thibedeau, the February incident saw Lacey, a dog owned by Lisa and Mark Brennan on Meadowview Road, attack another dog from behind and inflict serious injuries. The attack was so severe that Thibedeau recommended euthanizing the dog.

The incident was the third known for Lacey. She attacked other dogs in 2009 and 2012.

Lisa Brennan said at last month’s hearing that her dog is normally on a muzzle and leash and only goes out with her husband, Mark Brennan. Right before the incident, the dog was off leash because Mark was putting her into his truck. She added that only her husband takes the dog off the property and she keeps Lacey on a leach if she takes her out to the yard.

There is no timeline for the appeals process.

Image: File Photo