Everett landscaper charged with trying to poison dogs with antifreeze-soaked hot dogs

By Brian R. Ballou, Globe Staff

An Everett man was arraigned this morning on charges that he attempted to poison dogs by dropping antifreeze-soaked hot dogs on a lawn he just cut in Charlestown.

Kenneth Hyland

Kenneth M. Hyland, 53, was ordered held on $5,000 cash bail; his bail was also revoked for two open cases, out of Woburn and Lynn. He was charged with leaving the scene of property damage and assault and battery in those cases.

Prosecutors said Hyland has a lengthy criminal history dating back three decades, including 30 convictions for offenses ranging from drug possession to assault and battery.

Peter Pasciucco, a Suffolk prosecutor, said witnesses told police that Hyland was seen carrying a 5-gallon bucket containing hotdogs soaking in a liquid that appeared to be antifreeze.

Hyland, who works as a landscaper, had just finished work on a lawn at 550 Medford St. and was spreading the hot dogs over the newly-cut grass, the prosecutor said.

When a concerned neighbor asked Hyland if he was trying to poison dogs, he responded, “Yes” Pasciucco said.

A brief argument ensued, and after Hyland left, the witness picked up the hot dogs and, along with other neighbors, took them to the police station. The witness said Hyland had been observed in the past doing the same type of thing after performing landscaping work.

“There are no allegations that any dog was poisoned in any way, or that any dog had access to the lawn.”

Chambly said the case arises from an ongoing dispute between neighbors.

“As the evidence comes out, you will find here an ongoing disagreement between parties here about allowing dogs to ... defecate on this lawn.”

Investigators called Hyland Friday, and he arrived at the police station that day and was arrested. He posted $1,000 cash bail and was released and instructed to appear in Charlestown District Court today.

Chambly said Hyland works full-time as a landscaper and “has a number of accounts that are barely keeping him above water.”

Judge Robert McKenna scheduled Hyland to return to court Oct. 19 for a pretrial hearing.