I'm really torn up about this. I don't want Zion (the one still on the island) to be euthanized. I don't want him or Sensi to remain with the current owners either. These owners are unable or unwilling to manage and train these dogs, but it sounds as though the dogs would do fine in the care of someone who knows what they're doing or is willing to learn. Responsible breeders often take their dogs back when things don't work out. If Zion and Sensi's breeder(s) take this responsibility, I hope that option will be considered. Another is to contact an Akita rescue group and see if they can take the dogs on.

I have an Alaskan malamute, so I know a little about the "northern breeds." All dogs are predators, but northern breed dogs tend to have a stronger prey drive than your average Labrador and often can't be trusted around small animals, including fowl. This doesn't make them "vicious" -- it means they need to be responsibly managed. These dogs deserve better owners than they have right now, but they don't deserve to die.

I'm in agreement with Susanna. Find the dogs a responsible owner, ideally through the breeder. The dogs should not be punished for the irresponsible actions of the owners.

I agree with the above two comments. Clearly these owners are irresponsible, and the dogs should be taken away from them, but there must be a solution short of euthanasia.

It does seem like placing the dogs with more fit parents (who don't live on Island) seems to make more sense then killing them.

I think sending them to a rescue is an excellent suggestion. The dogs are going to continue to be a problem off island with these same owners. They deserve better than that. These people have poorly trained their dogs and other animals have suffered repeatedly, as a result of their lack of responsibility. The owners should be punished, not the dogs.

Big East Akita Rescue 609-388-7004
BIGEASTAKITARESCUE@VERIZON.NET
I have left messages..Please do the same. I visited with "Zion"; he is a dear pup; Tag seems to be COMPLETELY irresponsible here. Has every intention of breeding his dogs (both not neutered) to quote Tag,"we were gonna see what happens" when I asked about breeding. Such a shame these dogs should pay this price

Of course I agree with Susanna's take on this situation. The general consensus on this page seems to be that the owner'(s) are at fault in this situation. Anyone who loves and owns dogs knows that there is a learning curve that must be adhered to, just like with children. The owner clearly has failed his animals. This story is heartbreaking.

I'm a former Islander now living in Vermont. This is really horrible. As someone who has had neighbors' dogs kill my chickens, I see both sides of this issue. Three different dogs, two different owners, total of 14 chickens and 6 ducks killed. I've tried to get the dogs removed from the neighborhood, but it hasn't happened. I would not want them euthanized, though. It isn't the dogs' fault. If the owners are noncompliant, then the solution is not to euthanize the dogs, but to remove them from the owners and have them sent to where there are no nearby livestock, and where the owners are responsible owners. There are plenty of understanding rescue groups.

years ago i adopted a german wirehaired pointer who was due to be euthenized for similar chicken issues. her owner could not control her behavior but did not want her to be killed. she was one of the most loving and loyal dogs i have ever had.
these 2 dogs from west tisbury should not pay for the situation they have been placed in. their owners should. these people have no right to ever own an animal again and there should be extremely severe punishments for the cruelty they have shown to these dogs.
pamela spencer

This weekend I'm reminded of a line from the bar scene in the first Star Wars where the patron says to Luke Skywalker that he's got the death sentence on 12 systems. Well the dogs have the death sentence on the island and one is already off the island so I don't see how anyone can expect that the owner would bring the dog back to be put to death. Certainly I wouldn't it. The next question is really why are the selectmen punishing the dog for the bad behavior of the owner whose actions in lying to the shelter have to constitute some form of independent crime or at the very least a punishable fraud. Wouldn't it make more sense to punish the owner for his transgressions, than to kill the dog for behaving like the animal it is. Get the dog off the island. Punish the owner. Maybe a fine or civil penalty of treble damages (three times the value of the creatures the dogs have killed) If the selectmen have the authority let them take the remaining dog and put it up for adoption off island. A further penalty against the owner who lied about the release might be a permanent injunction against him from owning or possessing a dog of any kind on the island. His violation of such an order would constitute contempt of court. Punish the owner not the dog.

Bravo Michael G ~ yes.