Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Animal Control topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select board delays dog ordinance, weighs enforcement and constable responsibilities
Summary
The board tabled its dog ordinance until the next meeting and discussed enforcement challenges — including low registration rates, problem animals, and whether constables or police should handle follow-up — and agreed to invite constables and law enforcement to a future discussion.
The select board agreed to table the dog ordinance for further review and to solicit comments from Dan Mason and other stakeholders before taking action.
Board members raised enforcement concerns, noting that "the number of dog registrations is way down, way down," and discussed past incidents involving unregistered dogs that bit a resident and dogs that killed poultry on a neighbor's property. Members questioned who should conduct follow-up—constables, police, or another enforcement mechanism—and proposed inviting constables and the police chief to a future meeting to clarify roles and responsibilities.
The board discussed administrative options such as sending reminders to previous dog owners about late fees and registration requirements. No ordinance was adopted; the item was deferred pending additional input and a planned next meeting discussion with law enforcement and constables.
