Police Chief Keith Houghton has released a statement regarding the attack of a small service dog by an off-leash larger dog.
The smaller dog was seriously injured during the incident on July 6 on Chestnut Street.
The dog involved in this incident was seized by the police department’s animal control officer and is currently being held under the mandatory 10-day quarantine required by Massachusetts law.
“Our preliminary investigation has also determined that the dog was unlicensed,” Houghton stated. “As the investigation continues, our Animal Control Officer is evaluating several potential violations of Massachusetts law and City ordinances and appropriate citations and enforcement actions will be initiated where supported by the evidence.”
Houghton said the police department’s thoughts remain with the dog owner and everyone affected by the traumatic incident.
“The Chelsea Police Department has initiated a thorough investigation into the incident; which included identifying parties involved on scene on the night of the incident,” Houghton stated. “Additionally, as part of that process, our Professional Standards Division has reviewed our officers’ body-worn camera footage and based on that review, determined that our officers acted appropriately and within the scope of their authority. We anticipate releasing the body-worn camera footage once the investigation is complete and doing so will not interfere with the integrity of the process.”
At this time, Houghton said the facts indicate this matter primarily involves violations of local ordinances and state animal control laws, including the city’s leash law, rather than criminal offenses. He added that the department is working closely with its animal control officer to determine whether the evidence supports initiating a dangerous dog hearing under Massachusetts law.
“While the Chelsea Police Department is committed to conducting a complete and impartial investigation, our authority in matters such as these is limited by Massachusetts law,” Houghton said. “In many cases involving dog attacks, the available legal remedies are civil or administrative in nature rather than criminal. If the evidence supports additional enforcement or administrative action, we will pursue every remedy available within our legal authority.”
The chief said the department understands that people have strong emotions about this incident.
“Many members of our department are dog owners themselves and recognize the pain and trauma experienced by the victim and family,” Houghton said. “I am asking the public to allow us to complete a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation before passing judgment based on social media posts.”