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Town Clerk presents warrant for unlicensed dogs; board approves enforcement authority
Summary
Town Clerk Cheryl Hildreth told the Select Board there are about 2,100 dogs in Hampton and 273 outstanding registrations; the Board approved a warrant under RSA 466:14 and 466:16 to collect late fees and pursue civil forfeiture for unlicensed dogs.
Town Clerk Cheryl Hildreth told the Select Board on June 8 that state law (RSA 466:14 and RSA 466:16) requires rabies licensing and dog registration, and asked the Board to sign a warrant to permit enforcement of late fees and civil forfeiture for unlicensed dogs.
Hildreth said the town has roughly 2,100 dogs and reported that the outstanding list had been reduced from about 1,000 in April to 273 at the time of the meeting. She outlined the fees: a $1.00 per month late fee, a $25 civil forfeiture fee and $10.44 for certified mailing charges. Veterinarians are required to report rabies updates to the Town Clerk, and the clerk’s office notifies owners by email and mail; owners were warned that fees would be charged starting June 1.
The Board discussed online notification methods and registration processes. Select Board member Donald Bliss moved to approve the warrant for unlicensed dogs pursuant to RSA 466:14 and 466:16; the motion was seconded by Select Board member Amy Hansen and passed 5-0-0.
The warrant gives the Town Clerk authority to implement and collect the stated late fees and civil forfeiture fees for dogs not licensed by the deadline. The Board did not set additional outreach timelines at the meeting.
