Another Lynn dog attack has Phelan talking action

LYNN – In the wake of another dog attack in the city, Council President Tim Phelan said he and city officials are currently examining an increase in fines for unleashed dogs and whether a “Pit Bull ban” is a feasible option to protect residents from unruly animals.Presently, the fine for having an unleashed dog in the city is $25, and each subsequent offense is $50.While Phelan said he wasn’t sure of the exact amount that the fine might be raised to, it would most likely be notably increased as early as this week.”We’re waiting for legal interpretations from the law department that should be ready this week,” he said. “But we are definitely still moving forward on this matter.”Phelan said the council also plans to reach out to city postal carriers to identify any unleashed or unruly dogs while they are on their rounds in local neighborhoods.”All options are on the table including revisiting a possible pit bull ban,” Phelan said. “Nothing has changed and the possibility of a ban and the possibility for increased fines are still alive and kicking.”In addition, Phelan previously said that he plans to take a look at records of Pit Bull attacks that have taken place over the past five years to garner added information.The most recent dog attack took place on Monday, where a teenager was bitten around 8 p.m. at 17 Ocean Terrace.According to a police report, the victim and his brother were visiting friends at the apartment, where the Pit Bull, Buddy, reportedly attacked.The victim apparently suffered a facial wound beneath his eye and was administered 25-30 stitches at a local hospital.Animal Control Officer Kevin Farnsworth said the incident is still under investigation and did not release the dog owner’s name or further information.Aside from Monday’s incident, two dog attacks in the city in last October have prompted city officials to tighten laws to protect residents.Shoemaker school teacher and Lynn resident Julie Potter was violently attacked Oct. 17 while out for a jog on Lynnfield Street, after the mixed breed pit bull escaped from its leash and bit her on her arms and legs.The owner, Robin Edwards of 407 Lynnfield St., surrendered the dog, Shadow, to Farnsworth and it was euthanized.The second incident involved Lynn resident Claire Butcher and her neighbor’s Pekingese dog on Oct. 22 near 252 Broadway. The dog has its eye torn out from its socket by a Terrier/American Pit Bull that was off of its leash.The owner of the dog, Ashley Lupoli of 252A Broadway appealed a Magistrate’s decision to have the dog euthanized, but it was later put down.Deputy Police Chief Kevin Coppinger said any dog could be deemed a public safety threat if allowed to roam at its leisure.”The bottom line is that if people took the time to put their dogs on a leash, and kept their animals under control, these incidents would not have occurred.”