If Vickie Tkacz decides to appeal the Oxford animal control officer’s decision to euthanize two of her Newfoundland dogs, the case will be under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Agriculture.
Tkacz has said she’ll appeal the destruction order, which the town announced through a press release Thursday.
Four of Tkacz’ dogs are accused of killing an 11-year-old Labrador mix.
Tkacz is facing several misdemeanors in connection to the dog fight.
Ray Connors, the supervisor for the state Department of Agriculture Animal Control Division, said each municipality has discretion to determine when a dog should be put down. The state does not have guidelines.
If appealed, a hearing officer reviews the appeal and listens to each side. Then the Department of Agriculture commissioner makes the final decision as to whether the animal should be destroyed, Connors said.
Susan Linker, a director of a Connecticut-based domestic animal sanctuary called “Our Companions,” said she hoped Oxford officials would change their minds.
“I wish they wouldn’t play the euthanasia card,” Linker said. “Because if the dogs are not a danger to the community, there are plenty of Newfoundland rescue groups that would scoop them up,” she said.
Linker said dog attacks often involve irresponsible or incompetent owners.
“Generally the first recourse is for the animal control officer to say, ‘Listen, you need to take responsibility with your dog. We can’t have this happen again. Here are the conditions under which you can keep your dog,’” Linker said.
That happened in Oxford. However, First Selectwoman Mary Ann Drayton-Rogers said Tkacz would not cooperate.
Drayton-Rogers, in her press release, also said there had been past complaints about Tkacz.
“Several complaints have been lodged against the owner in the past and more have surfaced since this unfortunate incident has been made public,” Drayton-Rogers said. “In the best interest and safety of all concerned, and after every attempt to work with the owner, the town is left with no alternative but to see that these animals are put down.”
Drayton-Rogers said putting down the dogs is the last option. Tkacz disputes that contention.
Linker suggested an unbiased canine expert should be brought in to determine whether the Newfoundlands are a danger to people or other dogs.
“You can have experts come in and assess the situation,” she said. “Perhaps this was a one-time incident. There is the option of requiring the dogs to be surrendered to a humane or rescue organization.”
