Winchester Police Investigating Fatal Dog-on-Dog Attack

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Winchester Police Investigating Fatal Dog-on-Dog Attack

Police Weighting Options Against Owner of Alleged Aggressor Dog For Failure to Turn It Over for Legally-Required Quarantine and Investigation

WINCHESTER — Police Chief Kenneth C. Albertelli announces that the Winchester Police Department is investigating a fatal attack of a dog by another dog that occurred on Sunday afternoon on Squire Road in Winchester.

A Winchester Police Officer responded to a Carriage Lane home shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday and spoke to a resident who reported that she was walking her puppy, on leash earlier in the day, when it was suddenly attacked by a large dog, later determined to be a Bull Mastiff.

The owner of the puppy took the wounded dog to an animal hospital in Woburn, where it died of its injuries.

An investigation by Winchester Police and the Winchester Animal Control Officer determined that the Bull Mastiff got away from its owner and attacked the much smaller puppy. The investigation also showed that the alleged aggressor dog has been the subject of multiple previous and subsequent complaints about aggressive behavior in Winchester and previously in Woburn, where it formally resided.

The owner of the Bull Mastiff was notified that he would be legally required to turn over the dog for a mandatory 10-day quarantine period during the investigation, and he has failed to do so. At this time, the case is under investigation, and Winchester Police are considering its legal options, in the interest of public safety.

“This is a very sad story for all involved,” Chief Albertelli said. “We hope that all parties involve will cooperate with police and allow the investigation to run its course. Our only concern is for the safety of all human and animal residents of Winchester.”

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