Published: 8/23/2017 10:02:29 PM
The Athol man whose dog was ordered by the Athol Selectboard to be euthanized said he is working on getting money to hire a Beverly-based law firm that defends dogs and their owners.
Eric F. Zewiey, 53, of 399 Unity Ave., said he wants to recruit the legal services of Jeremy Cohen of Boston Dog Lawyers, but there is a $5,750 fee required.
The Athol Selectboard voted last month to have Lillie, Zewiey’s pit bull, put down by a veterinarian, as allowed by state law, after the dog reportedly bit a woman on Feb. 11, 2016, and then a 15-year-old boy who was out jogging on June 12. The recommendation for euthanization came from Animal Control Officer Jennifer Arsenault, who said Lillie has also attacked several dogs.
The vote came three months after the Selectboard deemed the dog dangerous and ordered it to be restrained at all times.
Zewiey had until July 31 to file an appeal in Orange District Court. He insists he made the deadline, but Clerk Magistrate Joella E. Fortier disputes this. Clerks at the courthouse said there is no record of any appeal for a dog euthanization order. They add they found Zewiey’s check but didn’t know what it was for and returned it by mail.
Zewiey said the court returned to him the $195 fee, but he didn’t understand why. Fortier said it is because there is no appeal before the court.
Contending he filed the required paperwork with the check that was returned, Zewiey said the town and court have mishandled his situation.
“This is a matter of life and death,” he said, adding that courthouse employees have not been helpful. “This isn’t a (expletive) parking ticket.”
Zewiey referred to Lillie as a family member.