Nesta, a husky that was accused of killing Buffy, a pet hen belonging to mystery writer Cynthia Riggs, hasn’t been put down by her owner, according to West Tisbury animal control officer Anthony Cordray.
The dog is “alive and well,” Cordray said. “He’s not planning on euthanizing it.”
Matt Hayden, the dog’s owner, told West Tisbury selectmen at a July 22 hearing that he would kill his own dog rather than fence it in, as they had ordered.
“If that’s something that’s going to be enforced, I will be euthanizing my dog this weekend,” he said. “And you can come over and watch if you want.”
Following the hearing, Cordray said the method of euthanasia Hayden suggested was not permissible under Massachusetts law. While he didn’t say what method Hayden suggested, he did say in Massachusetts a dog can only be euthanized by injection, gas, or firearm.
Cordray said Hayden is working on a fence enclosure and is cooperating with West Tisbury Animal Control.
Hayden told The Times he’s working on the enclosure but is cautious about exposing himself and Nesta, a husky, to the hot weather that’s descended on the Vineyard.
“Well, I’m gonna try to piece something together,” he wrote, “but it’s not happening in this heat, [and] I wouldn’t put my dog out in a pen in this heat ether, so see how it goes.”
Wow. I figured the implication was that he wanted to shoot her. But since that is apparently legal (don’t understand how it qualifies as humane under non-emergency circumstances), even that’s not as bad as what he meant? I probably don’t want to know what he had in mind. Nice guy.
I’m glad she is alive, but it doesn’t still doesn’t sound like she is in loving hands. Have encountered too many dog owners with a similar attitude to think anyone with decency would regard her with such cruelty. Some people simply don’t deserve to own dogs.
I hope Nesta remains safe.
He should train her to hunt birds.
She seems to be a natural.
so overdramatic. is it that hard to keep your dog inside or on a leash when out?
Thank you for the update. If Mr Hayden is so inclined he could appeal to islanders for help in building the fence. I’m sure people would chip on to ensure Nesta is safe. Maybe a dog door could even be installed so Nesta could go inside and out safely at will.
This guy and his attitude…..he’s another one that I need to take for a walk and talk to.
When was the last time you did that tough guy?
I feel sorry for that dog.
Who the heck writes these headlines?
Does anyone have any empathy for the murdered chicken and her grieving owner? Do you understand this animal died in terror and pain? Do you know what it is to raise an animal and grow to love it for its personality, its love of being? Or do you buy your chickens slaughtered, plucked, eviscerated, roasted or frozen from your supermarket?
Nesta is a killer. If she is not secured, or euthanized, she will kill again. I sincerely hope it is not one of Ms Rigg’s animals that is made to suffer, and by default Ms Riggs. She has suffered enough. Perhaps we should all be securing our children, some of them are not much bigger than chickens.
Several things, from the sound of things people commenting here are animal lovers who would not want any chickens hurt again. This is not about the dog. This dog is doing what her breed has been conditioned to do, run and chase prey. None of this is her fault. The responsibility rests solely on her owner who has a responsibility to keep her safe and out of trouble.
Alice, I feel terrible that Ms. Riggs lost her pet in such a traumatizing way and agree that the town made the right decision by requiring fencing. This cannot be allowed to continue. I don’t think the reaction to Hayden’s words was meant to dismiss the loss of Buffy. It’s that he took such an aggressive stance when asked to make responsible changes.
The responsibility rests solely on the breeders of naturally aggressive breeds.
Think pit bulls.