Seymour Animal Control Board requires second metal fence and extends insurance window for dog owner

The Seymour Animal Control Board voted 3-2 on Nov. 10 to apply the city's Dangerous Animals Ordinance to the dog owned by John Wadzinski, adding two specific conditions: a second metal double fence must be installed no later than spring 2026, and the owner may provide proof of liability insurance within 60 days rather than the existing 30-day period. The motion was made by Alderperson Tetzlaff and seconded by Alderperson Krull.

Chief Schultz, the city's Chief of Police, summarized what had been presented at the prior Animal Control Board meeting about incidents involving the dog and reviewed the ordinances that apply. The board heard testimony from John Wadzinski. The motion spelled out modifications to the Dangerous Animals Ordinance: an amendment to Sec. 6-25(c) limiting off-leash activity until the second fence required by Sec. 6-26(b)(2) is completed, and an amendment to Sec. 6-29 extending the deadline for providing proof of liability insurance to 60 days. The motion carried 3 ayes and 2 nays; the transcript does not record which members voted which way.

Why it matters: the board's action imposes specific, time-bound physical and insurance requirements intended to limit the dog's ability to be off-leash in public until the additional fence is in place, and it alters the administrative timeline for the owner to show insurance. The board set a concrete installation deadline (spring 2026) that creates a compliance milestone for enforcement.

The council reconvened after the Animal Control Board vote; the transcript records no additional amendments or appeals of the board's order at the Nov. 10 session. Enforcement responsibility and follow-up (which department will verify fence completion and insurance proof) were not specified in the record and remain to be clarified by staff.