Edgartown selectmen ordered Damon Burke to keep his dog, Ramune, an American Staffordshire terrier, securely confined when at home and muzzled in public. Mr. Burke will also have to buy insurance to indemnify dogs and people should Ramune, officially declared dangerous by the selectmen, do any more damage.
Monday’s order followed a vicious dog hearing that ended July 22. At the hearing, selectmen heard descriptions of a fight between Ramune and Tommy, a pit bull-hound cross, that left both dogs injured and in need of medical care. Tommy has since been euthanized by his owner.
Selectmen Margartet Serpa and Michael Donaroma signed the order. Selectman Art Smadbeck was not present at the hearing. Mr. Burke has 10 days to appeal the order to district court.
In other business, Chappaquiddick Ferry owner Peter Wells told selectmen Monday that the larger of his ferries will be hauled for maintenance on Tuesday, September 3. He said the maintenance could take 10 to 20 days.
“They’re in really good shape, so I don’t expect any surprises, but I just want you to be aware of our timetable,” Mr. Wells said.
Selectman Michael Donaroma worried that the maintenance might interfere with the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby, which is scheduled to start Sunday, September 15, and will increase demand for ferry service to Chappaquiddick.
Mr. Wells said he hopes to have the ferry back in the water by the time the Derby begins. “There’s no real good time to do it,” Mr. Wells said.
