Select Board Dismisses Complaint Against Zeus
Select Board · Meeting of March 31, 2026
Grafton Select Board dismisses dangerous-dog complaint against Zeus, a ridgeback mix. Chair Andrew Jefferson said medical records did not clearly document a bite and that the dog "would not" meet the dangerous or nuisance dog standard under state law, a view echoed by member Ann Marie Foley, who said the evidence "does not find the dog to be dangerous or a nuisance dog." The complaint stemmed from a December 18, 2025, incident that sent neighbor Ms. Ausland to the hospital; she testified "a service dog does not bite, does not jump, does not pull." Animal Control Officer Melinda McKendrick found no prior complaints against the dog in its previous town.
The board voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint and asked the town attorney to send the property owner a letter recommending the dog continue wearing a muzzle and leash in common areas.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 757 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of March 31, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
Keep reading with a 30-day free trial
Subscribe to Grafton News to keep reading this post and get 30 days of free access to the full post archives.
Starting a trial requires a payment method. After 30 free days your subscription begins at the price shown at checkout and renews automatically until you cancel. You can cancel anytime from your account. Subscription terms
A subscription gets you:
- Subscriber-only posts and full archive
- Post comments and join the community
- 24x7 access to local news