NORTH ATTLEBORO - A former assistant animal control officer has filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination against the town alleging she was discriminated against because of a disability.

Jessica Dawes, who worked at the town's animal shelter from July 2005 through December 2007, when she voluntarily resigned, alleges that both the town and Animal Control Officer Karen Fontneau engaged in discrimination relating to her disability. Dawes has multiple sclerosis.

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination does not comment on investigations into complaints brought to its office.

A copy of the complaint, which is public record, does not go into detail about the alleged discrimination, saying only that it was based on Dawes' disability.

The complaint was filed in July. Dawes did not return a call asking for comment on the case and her attorney James Perkoski declined to comment.

Fontneau also declined to comment on the matter.

Selectmen Chairman John Rhyno said he could not comment on the case because the matter is before selectmen in private session as a matter of litigation.

Asked whether the issue will head to mediation, as Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination cases sometimes do, Rhyno said, "It would be great if we could come to an amicable agreement."