Stratford Selectboard reinstates dog officer, authorizes inspections at property reported to house about 20 dogs

At a Jan. 12 meeting at Fuller Town Hall, the Stratford Selectboard agreed to reinstate Mario Audit as the town's Dog Officer and Health Officer, effective immediately, and authorized inspections of a property reported to hold about 20 dogs.

Selectman Harry Juergens and Selectmen Ron A. Scott Jr. and Charlie Goulet were present. The board discussed neighbor complaints that the property lacks running water, electricity and heat, has structural problems and is classified as a residence rather than a licensed kennel. Neighbors had reported odor, noise and debris at the site.

The Selectboard directed the health officer to inspect and document conditions through repeated site visits and to obtain written confirmation from utility providers about the absence of services. The board also agreed that enforcement could proceed through both the health officer function and animal control and that the town attorney should be consulted in anticipation of possible legal action. Mario Audit was asked to attend the upcoming Wednesday meeting, to conduct site visits and to provide a written statement confirming his reinstatement to the office.

Board members briefly discussed whether the town's health officer may carry a firearm while on duty; no decision was reached and further research was requested.

Next steps: the Selectboard will rely on the health officer's documented inspections and utility confirmations to determine any enforcement action. The board asked staff to place follow-up items on the agenda for the next meeting.