Good morning, Hopkinton! Welcome to the daily update we call Hopkinton Today — a quick recap of yesterday’s news, highlights of what’s on tap, and a photo of the day.

Select Board to determine whether dog is dangerous, nuisance

The Select Board will hold a public hearing tonight to consider whether a dog residing on Hayward Street is a danger or nuisance to the community.

The dog, named Thor, resides at 50 Hayward Street under the care of owner Gabriel Knupe. [Editor’s note: This name has been updated with that of the individual who appeared at Tuesday’s Select Board meeting.] According to reports submitted to the Select Board from animal control officer Bill Proctor, Hopkinton Police were called to respond to incidents with the animal four times between April and July.

Police reports indicate that the dog repeatedly chased and attacked animals at nearby 53 Hayward Street. In May, the dog — then unlicensed — attacked a cat, which later was found with injuries. Then in June, reports state that the dog broke loose from its trainer and killed chickens at the same address. A hearing in front of the Select Board was requested following another incident in July when the dog escaped once again.

Under Massachusetts General Law, a hearing authority such as the Select Board may hold a public hearing upon receiving a complaint that a dog is dangerous. The law further defines a “dangerous dog” as one that either attacks a person or domestic animal causing injury or death, or poses an “unjustified imminent threat” of injury or death.

Even if a determination is made that the dog is not dangerous, the Select Board may find it is a nuisance. Nuisance dogs are characterized in MGL as those who exhibit excessive barking that is a source of annoyance or disruption, or have threatened or attacked livestock.

While the board cannot order a dog removed from the town, it can order one of several remedies if the dog is deemed dangerous. These include everything from restraint or confinement to the owner’s property up to humane euthanasia.

— NICK SCHOFIELD

Latest News

The School Committee on Sunday held a virtual listening session to gather input on the school calendar.

The Office of the Inspector General announced that former Parks & Recreation Director Jay Guelfi was found to have violated state procurement laws and town policies related to handling cash.

MassDOT announced that ramp closures at the I-90/I-495 interchange will take place Thursday night.

This week’s Real Estate Transactions list shows five sales, two of which were over $2 million.

The Friends of Whitehall will host an author talk with wildlife ecologist Brad Timm on Oct. 26 at the Hopkinton Public Library.

Town meetings tonight include the Parks & Recreation Commission (5:30), Appropriation Committee (6),  Select Board (6) and Conservation Commission (7).

Photo of the Day

Cameron Rosendale catches a Frisbee thrown by his father at the Town Common on Sunday.

PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO