By Daniel Duric, for the Newport Dispatch

BARTON — The Barton Selectboard has ordered a husky mix named Zoey to be humanely euthanized by Nov. 19 after finding the dog attacked a woman without provocation earlier this month, knocking her to the ground and causing injuries to her face, ear and neck that required an ambulance ride to the hospital.

The board issued its decision and protective order Thursday following a vicious dog hearing held under Vermont law. The dog is owned by John Riendeau of Barton.

Melody Fellows LaPierre filed the complaint after the Nov. 7 incident, in which she said the white dog knocked her down as she walked to her mailbox. Neighbor James Guertin testified that he heard her screams, came to help and saw blood coming from her ear. He said the dog, which he recognized as Zoey, was familiar in the neighborhood and had been seen roaming from house to house.

Another neighbor, Jeff Lanoue, testified that he heard the scream and saw LaPierre on the ground with the dog nearby. Peggy Guertin testified she saw an ambulance respond and that a white dog had jumped up and tried to grab her arm while she was getting her mail.

The board found the testimony of LaPierre and the neighbors credible and concluded that the attack did occur. Animal control officer Renee Falconer also provided testimony and a written statement.

Riendeau testified that he was home all day Saturday and that to his knowledge the dog never left the house. He questioned whether the dog was his.

The selectboard found that Riendeau violated the Town of Barton ordinance regulating the keeping of dogs and wolf hybrids by failing to keep his dog under control and allowing it to roam freely. The board also found the incident violated a prior order from a May 5, 2025, vicious dog hearing involving the same dog, which required Zoey to be confined within a fence.

Under the protective order, the dog has been released to the animal control officer, with all associated costs the responsibility of Riendeau. The decision may be appealed to Vermont Superior Court within 30 days.