Marion dog to be euthanized following attack on delivery driver

MARION — The Marion Select Board voted to euthanize a one-year-old dog that attacked a pizza delivery driver earlier this summer. 

At the Tuesday, Sept. 16 select board meeting, a public hearing was held to determine whether or not the attacking dog will continue to pose danger to residents then proceed with a solution. 

The board decided to euthanize the dog who seriously injured Rumeysa Durmus on Jul. 29. Durmus did not appear in person at the public hearing, but was present over the phone. 

The attack happened as Durmus delivered a pizza. She came into Mello’s yard and the door containing the dog was slightly ajar. That is when Mello’s dog came out and attacked Durmus as she slowly backed away. 

Mello and his brother tackled the dog off of her. Durmus proceeded to run away and call the police. 

Durmus said that she still cannot use her right arm to the extent she could before the attack. 

The dog is owned by Spencer Mello, who was arrested seven days ago on account of fentanyl, cocaine and other drug possession in Marion.  

Mello was released on $25,000 bail today, but did not represent himself at the public hearing. 

Amorin Johnson appeared on Mello’s behalf. She pleaded for behavior classes as a solution and asked for another chance for Mello’s dog. 

Animal Control Officer Sue Connor was called after the original attack.

When asked if she was afraid of this dog, Connor replied, “I would say that I don't like to go [to Mello’s residence] unarmed” and that it is “not friendly with people [or] strangers.” 

Connor recommended the dog be euthanized when asked by the council members. She also mentioned Mello’s dog has had two complaints prior to the attack. 

The select board agreed that since Mello lives in such a busy area with a playground and shops nearby, the dog cannot be trusted for the sake of community safety. 

Mello has twenty-four hours to surrender the dog to Animal Control, following the vote by select board members.