DOG DAYS: Dog owner speaks out about Augusto and his practices…...

HYANNIS – I just had a great conversation with a reporter from another publication and he asked something I’ve been thinking about ever since.

He asked me if I’m taking a side.

After much introspection, I’ve come to the conclusion I am, sort of, taking a side, but not one for or against Augusto. If I’m ever going to take a side, I’m going to be much more idealistic than that.

Yes, I’m taking a side for fair treatment and honesty.

And yes, I’m taking a side against selective policing and “witch hunts.”

It’s true, Augusto has been caught ‘dead to rights’ violating a law which says he has too many dogs.

So, it appears as though the town got their man and Augusto is now possibly leaving Barnstable with his tail between his legs. Problem solved, right? On that issue perhaps…

But, what about the allegations of violence against this resident of our community? Is that not as serious as having too many dogs? …someone threatening you and damaging your property?

What about the allegations of racial comments throughout this investigation?

What about the allegations of someone using Augusto’s previously undisclosed and unpublished sexual orientation to set up male escort internet pages? Was this really Augusto trying to make illegal cash by posing in a dog kennel sitting next to his dogs? Or was it a twisted attempt to discredit and humiliate Augusto? Are we to believe professional escorts use their personal dog photos, like the ones you would have on your facebook page, to solicit business?

What about a “group” from other states (if you’re to believe that is where they are actually from) that spend days upon days defaming Augusto regarding his business practices? Why are they not providing contact info so their relentless allegations can be confirmed once and for all?

What about the wild reports of Augusto killing the neighborhood cats and feeding them to his dogs? What about the reports of him killing his goats and disposing of the carcasses in the land behind his house? Are these the town’s “star witnesses” who made the complaints which led up to last week’s invasive early morning raid?

The town, so far, has cracked a dog caper, and ought to be congratulated for a “successful” piece of law enforcement I suppose… After all, there’s no question Augusto has 10 adult dogs when you’re only allowed six. Should last week’s early morning raid be considered critical pressing law enforcement, or something else? Perhaps selective policing? For example, will we all now be subject to numerous dog fines for not carrying our dogs’ papers with us wherever we go? If Barnstable Animal Control fined Augusto for not having his dog papers while out walking in public, shouldn’t that be expected of all of us, or else not at all? And if we need to carry papers, why should we also put dog tags on our dogs’ collars? Is it going to be dog tags, dog papers, or both?

No, I’m not for or against Augusto… yet. I need to see more. Much, much, more before I personally crucify him as the town seemingly has. If Augusto does, in fact, turn out to be a criminal on par with Josef Mengele, more or less, rest assured HN will report it in uppercase letters.

Rest assured, the truth will come out, eventually. And HN will not stop until it does… Whether or not the town does its duty by returning phone calls and requests for information is perhaps a whole other issue. So far some in our town government have not returned phone calls for one reason or another. HN may have to deal with that issue later on… But, in the meantime, HN will continue to follow this particular story, wherever it may lead.

Tonight’s video was made after several satisfied customers of Augusto reached out, wanting to tell the truth about this man’s intentions and business practices. Almost all of the customers had wholly positive experiences with Augusto. One woman, however, was concerned regarding Augusto’s timely completion of documentation. I spoke with Augusto about that, and he admitted to being behind in his dealings due to the chaos and stress from recent actions and allegations made against him. He told me he made arrangements and would be delivering the woman’s documentation to her within the next 48 hours. HN will then reach out to that particular customer to see if that actually happened or not…

Today’s interview is with a customer of Augusto named Joe MacKinnon. He was brave enough to reach out and go on camera explaining his experiences with Augusto as a breeder, trainer, and member of our community. The interview had to be shot quickly as Mr. MacKinnon was just ending his day and had obligations; HN was just beginning its day and was also pressed for time. Despite being rushed, today’s interview provides another perspective on this topic. There will be more interviews, especially as more people come forward and confirm their stories by going on camera.

Mr. MacKinnon had the following to say… [Press play]