In another reverse decision, the West Tisbury selectmen did not sign a euthanization order over the weekend that would have ordered two Akitas to be destroyed.

The selectmen were set to sign the order at a special meeting Saturday afternoon, but selectman Richard Knabel said Monday he would not make a motion to sign the euthanization order due to a new proposal in the community to place the dogs in different ownership.

“There is an effort underway to organize or orchestrate a rescue operation ... and place them in different ownership in a proper environment,” Mr. Knabel said in a phone interview. “I don’t know if that’s going to happen, but I’m aware there are people who are trying to make it happen, and on that basis I could not go along with the order.”

It is unclear whether the dogs would be placed with new owners on- or off-Island should the proposal be accepted.

Selectman Jeffrey (Skipper) Manter 3rd remains in favor of euthanizing the dogs. Selectman Cynthia Mitchell, who previously voted to euthanize the dogs, was absent from the special meeting on Saturday.

The selectmen last week unanimously voted to euthanize the dogs for killing a total of 14 chickens and two geese in three separate incidents. The dogs are owned by Taggart Young and Anna Bolotovsky.

A previous agreement to banish the dogs from the Island rather than euthanize them was reversed when Mr. Young attempted to free one of the animals from the town pound against selectmen’s orders. The other dog currently resides with Ms. Bolotovsky in Newton.

Mr. Knabel said the owners’ attorney and members of the community were coming up with the rescue plan and the selectmen will discuss the matter further at their weekly scheduled meeting on Wednesday.