Dog involved in Florence attack is put down

By Owen Boss

Staff Writer

NORTHAMPTON - A dog that reportedly got away from its owner before attacking and killing another dog as it was walked by leash down North Maple Street in Florence last week has been put down by its owner, police said.

According to Northampton police Capt. Scott Savino, the 60-pound, 4-year-old chow mix, named Porter, was voluntarily put down by its owner, Christopher Pletcher, of 54 N. Maple St.

Pletcher reportedly told police that he and his wife rescued Porter about a year ago when the couple lived in Arizona and that the couple had to keep the dog on a leash at all times because it had been known to be aggressive around smaller animals.

On Wednesday, May 5, Sarah Hannigan, 25, of Florence went to the Northampton police station to report that her 3-year-old miniature Alaskan husky, Dooby, had been violently attacked by Pletcher's dog as she walked it down North Maple Street, where she lives.

Although Nancy Graham, the city's animal control officer, said she met with both Pletcher and Hannigan to discuss the incident, Savino said the decision to have the dog euthanized was made by the owner.

"This was strictly the decision of the owner of the attacking dog," Savino said. "My understanding was that it was put down Friday evening."

A message left on Pletcher's cell phone Wednesday evening was not returned.

Owen Boss can be reached at oboss@gazettenet.com