Select Board Deems Dog Dangerous

            The January 27 meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board included a thorough hearing regarding a dog that had caused grievous bodily harm to another dog last July. Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, the board was asked to determine whether the dog, owned by Mark and Stella Brogioli, 14 Acushnet Road, could be and should be labeled as “dangerous.” Requesting the hearing was Jayne Maniatis of 7 Cathaway Lane.

            The Brogiolis defended their dog, saying he had never displayed aggressive behavior in the past.

            Emotional testimony from the Maniatis family included highlighting their inability to enjoy being outside with grandchildren and other young family members due to fear regarding the neighbor’s dog and the possibility of it coming into their yard.

            The Brogiolis explained in detail the measures they have taken since the fateful incident including erecting a 4-foot-high fence with 2-inch-wide openings. The Brogiolis said the holes were too small even for a small dog to get their nose through.

            Select Board member Tyler Macallister thought it might be prudent to have the parties involved avail themselves of information available under MGL 40 and return to the board with a plan of action moving forward.

            But board member Jordan Collyer believed it was the board’s responsibility to decide now whether or not the dog in question was dangerous, “…as the authority in this matter, we are duty bound to take this matter up. We need to render a decision. We’ve got to look out for the public.”

            Board member Jodi Bauer said she was very concerned about pedestrians and cyclists given that the Brogioli property will be adjacent to the bike path in the future.

            After nearly an hour of testimony and reference to MGL 40 the board made their ruling.

            They determined that given the Brogiolis’ dog was responsible for the death of another dog, it was clearly dangerous. The board went further, ordering that the offending canine must be muzzled when off the owner’s property, if left outside it must be restrained, and that the Brogiolis must show proof of insurance.

            The board also asked that the Brogiolis work with the neighbors to ensure all parties were in agreement. They are to return to the board with a plan in 30 days.

            In other business, the board met with Police Chief Jason King, Fire Chief Andrew Murry, and Harbormaster Isaac Perry to briefly discuss the FY26 operating budget and capital needs.

            All department heads indicated that other than negotiated increases all budgets will be level funded. Capital needs for the harbor enterprise fund include only one expense for docks and floats, a sum estimated at $15,000.

            While the rebuilding of Long Wharf remains a fixture on the town’s budget, Perry didn’t believe that project would move forward in 2026. The project is pegged at $10,000,000 and will be funded by debt according to the Capital Plan.

            The Mattapoisett Police Department’s capital plans include the following for FY27 $160,000 for two cruisers, and $50,000 for building maintenance which King said was sorely needed.

            King also noted that funded from ambulance receipts is a much-needed new ambulance estimated at $400,000 and a new stretcher. On the police side of the ledger, King will also be seeking $52,000 for firearms.

            Fire Chief Murry’s capital needs list $500,000 for a tanker truck. He explained to Bauer who questioned the line item that having a tanker truck was necessary for the many locations throughout the town where hydrants are not available.

            The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, February 10 at 6:30 pm.

Mattapoisett Select Board

By Marilou Newell