Georgie the Saint Bernard is still considered a nuisance dog and will have to be muzzled outside of her home until Labor Day.
The Select Board on Tuesday made that decision after learning that the dog, which allegedly attacked another dog in December 2023 at Silvershell Beach, was photographed not wearing a muzzle before a one-year muzzle order expired in late March this year.
Boston-based lawyer Jeremy Cohen, who specializes in dog-nuisance issues, said that a muzzle is a bit extreme because the dog has never bitten a person and the incident in 2023 was the only documented evidence of the dog expressing aggression. He said that the dog’s owner, Verena Hultsch of Vine Street, has complied with town directive over a 432-day period. After a hearing in March of last year, Hultsch has fenced in her yard and posted a sign on the gate. She has also kept the dog on a leash that can handle up to 300 pounds while maintaining a 3-foot distance from the owner. Georgie has also been professionally trained and continues to visit a trainer.
Georgie has also been banned from visiting Silvershell Beach and Washburn Park, where dogs and their owners often visit.
Cohen accused town residents of being “deputized” to take photos of Georgie without a muzzle.
“People are walking around snapping pictures,” he said. “People are deputized.”
Cohen said that the incident in 2023, when resident Miles Grant’s goldendoodle Harry was allegedly attacked by Georgie, leading to a puncture wound and a veterinarian visit and $200 bill.
Cohen noted that Grant allegedly kicked Georgie in the head several times and that the dog laid down and stopped the attack on the goldendoodle. He said that alone is not a sign of a dangerous dog.
Citing the expense of veterinarians, Cohen said that injury was minor and $200 is a small bill based on current rates. He also described beaches in the wintertime and dog parks in general as “the wild west” and indicated that all owners and their dogs should expect possible fights or issues.
Cohen said that “considering Saint Bernards tend to slobber, keeping a muzzle on the animal is an extreme punishment.”
“The idea of muzzling this dog who has never bitten somebody is a stretch,” Cohen said, adding that Hultsch is a responsible dog owner.
He added that she has prevented any injuries from happening to any dog or person in the last year.
Robert Hlady, a neighbor, said that his dog has play dates with Georgie and there have never been any issues. He described Georgie as a “sweet and gentle dog.”
Animal Control Officer Susan Connor told the board on Tuesday that there have been other incidents of aggression involving Georgie. According to Marion Select Board meeting minutes from March 2024, Connor said she observed Georgie behaving aggressively at Washburn Park in May 2023 and cited an incident in which Georgie knocked down a resident and her service dog.
“My experience with Georgie is she does need a muzzle and has had interactions with other people and their dogs, and what they have reported is there have been other bites. … I’m not trying to inhibit Georgie’s freedom.”
Cohen countered that he has filed a Freedom of Information Act request and has not seen any definitive evidence of any other aggression from Georgie and has not even seen evidence of the puncture wound caused on Grant’s dog Harry in December 2023.
Town Counsel Gregg Corbo disputed Cohen’s claim that residents have been deputized. Corbo said that Georgie’s owner has complied with all directives except for keeping the dog muzzled in public before the March 2025 deadline. He cited evidence in January, February and early March of Georgie without a muzzle in a public place.
Corbo mentioned that Connor has observed aggressive behavior, and the owner did not comply with the muzzle order within the one-year probationary period. He proposed the dog use a muzzle with a basket, which would prevent discomfort, for the next 90 days.
The Select Board agreed to revisit the issue on September 2.
Cohen also noted that Georgie is a victim of a past incident in which a dog was killed and another was severely injured in Marion.
Cohen said Georgie’s case bears no similarities.
Select Board Chair Randy Parker said that the board treats every case individually. He said that evidence shows Georgie was not muzzled during the probationary period. He and other officials recommend extending the muzzle requirement for 90 days and will revisit it.
Board members appeared to agree that Georgie is not a dangerous dog, but a nuisance and steps should be taken to protect the public. They said keeping the dog on a muzzle for the rest of summer would be a good compromise.
In other news, firefighters asked the Select Board to house a 1937 Ford Truck, a historical fixture in town, at the Department of Public Works garage. Firefighters said the antique truck is a popular item in town with historical value, participating in parades, Santa runs, and other town affairs. Parker said the board would take the issue under consideration. Parker said the town has plans for extending sewer to that property and has not considered the possibility yet.
Select Board Vice Chairman John Hoagland said that property has also been considered for senior affordable housing.
In other business, Water and Sewer officials recommended maintaining the same water rates for fiscal 2026 but said the Sewer Enterprise Fund is running at a deficit of $5,000. They proposed a 1.5% base increase and a 4% increase for each tier. Select Board members asked that they break that down for the public in both letters to customers and on the town website (marionma.gov).
The Select Board will hold a joint meeting with the Planning Board on Thursday, June 5, at 7:00 pm in the Marion Police Department. The Select Board will also hold a Special Meeting on Monday, June 9, at 6:00 pm in the Marion Town House.
Marion Select Board
By Jeffrey D. Wagner