A dog deemed dangerous by Selectmen on July 31 will now be labeled as “at risk” following a unanimous vote on Tuesday night.

The dog, a female Australian Shepard named Daisy, was accused of attacking and antagonizing several other dogs and people on both Great Neck Road and Lydia’s Island Road unprovoked this past year.

Animal Control Officer Cheryl Gorveatt-Dill said she had received many complaints regarding Daisy in July, including an incident in which Daisy had reportedly attacked another dog while loose.

The other dog, which was also loose at the time, had to be taken to Marion Animal Hospital for puncture wounds sustained to the neck.

Neighbors testifying before Selectmen at the July hearing said they feared for the safety of their animals and children.

The dog’s owners, Sandra and Walter Crossman, also testified before Selectmen at the hearing, accompanied by a trainer who had been working with Daisy. Both stated that they took full responsibility for Daisy's actions. 

According to Selectman Patrick Tropeano, the decision to change Daisy’s label from “dangerous” to “at risk” this January was the result of multiple discussions between the Crossmans and the Wareham Department of Natural Resources. 

Neither Gorveatt-Dill nor the Crossmans were present to speak for Tuesday’s decision.

Daisy is now to receive behavioral training with approval from the department and will no longer be required to wear a muzzle.

• Daisy must be humanely restrained to prevent escape at all times and cannot run off leash. The dog is only to be walked by an adult 18 years of age or older on a leash of 4 feet.

According to Tropeano, the “at risk” label can be erased after two years of compliance with no incidents.