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RECEIVED <br /> TOWN CLERK <br /> Minutes READING. MASS. <br /> Town of Reading - Animal Control Appeals Committee <br /> March 28, 2012 .2012 APR -2 P 2: 50 <br /> The meeting of the Animal Control Appeals Committee (ACAC) was convened at was convened at <br /> 7:30 PM in the Community Room, Police Station, 15 Union Street, Reading MA. <br /> Present were: <br /> Town of Reading: ACAC Chairman Tina Ohlson, ACAC member John Miles, Town Counsel Gary <br /> Brackett, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner; <br /> Representing the animal owner: Attorney Jonathan Rankin representing the animal owner; Lisa <br /> Swanson, Amanda Swanson, Stephen Swanson and Alexandria Swanson. <br /> Interested parties: None <br /> Town Counsel presented a draft decision for the ACAC to consider. This has been transmitted to the <br /> ACAC and Counsel for the Swansons at an earlier date. <br /> Counsel Jonathan Rankin raised the following questions: <br /> 1. If Atticus is at the K9 Performance dog training facility and day care, must he be muzzled at <br /> those times? <br /> 2. Is it an option not to build the outdoor enclosure? I they did not build it, then Atticus would be <br /> muzzled and leased at all times when he is in the yard <br /> 3. If they were to build the enclosure they would need more time to build itβ€” probably 6 months. <br /> 4. Regarding the medication recommended by Dr. Wrubel, she is not a veterinarian. Atticus is <br /> going to see another animal behaviorist who is a veterinarian and they would like to be able to <br /> take medication and/or be removed from medication under the direction of a veterinarian. <br /> 5. Regarding the last paragraph, there was not any discussion about destruction of Atticus, and <br /> they would like that removed from the agreement. Chapter 140 section 157, and section <br /> 5.6.7.3 provide for fines up to $300 per day and that should be adequate. <br /> 6. Regarding the waiver of the right to appeal, the animal owner agrees that that applies to this <br /> specific agreement, but they do not agree to waive the right to appeal if there is further action <br /> under the last paragraph of the agreement. <br /> The ACAC discussed the above issues with Town Counsel and agreed to the following (ACAC <br /> comments in bold): <br /> 1. If Atticus is at the K9 Performance dog training facility and day care, must he be muzzled at <br /> those times? This would be ok while at K-( Top Performers, and with a letter from the <br /> owner agreeing to it. <br /> 2. Is it an option not to build the outdoor enclosure? I they did not build it, then Atticus would be <br /> muzzled and leased at all times when he is in the yard. This would be ok, with the <br /> restriction that Atticus will be on a 6' leash and muzzled at any time that he is outside of <br /> the house. β€’ <br /> 3. If they were to build the enclosure they would need more time to build it β€” probably 6 months. <br /> If the Swanson's came up with a schedule, this would be ok β€” with the understanding <br />