Police Chief says next step is to go through court system
WESTFIELD -- The Pavlica family still has no resolution to their fears about neighboring dogs they say are dangerous.
David Shokov, owner of the two German shepherds in question, failed to appear at a Police Commission hearing on the matter Thursday.
Police Chief John Camerota said he was not surprised Shokov was a no-show.
"We have sent letters they ignored and we set a hearing and they were served the notice in hand," Camerota said.
Alan and Lorraine Pavlica live on Jaeger Drive on more than five acres of property, including a barn with horse corral and a riding path. The Shokovs live on North Road.
Lorraine Pavlica said the trouble began in August. She used to walk her Brittany spaniel Phoebe on the riding path but the German shepherds began barking at them and made their way under the fence.
"They attacked us several times and my dog was bit," said Lorraine Pavlica.
Alan Pavlica said he wants it "to just end."
"We just want them to contain their dogs like everyone else," said Lorraine Pavlica. "I don't walk on the path anymore -- I walk her in the corral. I can't even use my own property and when my dog hears them bark she starts shivering."
Camerota said he would consult with the city law department and request a hearing to have the dogs confiscated from the owner.
"The next step is to go through the court," he said.