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Selectboard reviews draft dog ordinance; board to consider adoption after notice period
Summary
The Selectboard reviewed a draft update to the town’s dog ordinance (not substantially revised since 1975), which incorporates attorney comments, exempts sanctioned farms and kennels from noise complaints, and allows written complaints for potentially vicious dogs even if no medical attention was sought; adoption to be considered at a future meeting with statutory notice and petition periods.
The Selectboard reviewed a draft updated Dog Ordinance on Aug. 4 that the Town Attorney had reviewed and for which his comments were incorporated.
The draft ordinance updates provisions that have not been substantially revised since 1975 (possibly amended in 2001). Key changes noted by staff include exemption language for sanctioned farms and kennels from certain noise complaints and a provision allowing individuals to file written complaints about potentially vicious dogs even if the person did not seek medical attention. The board discussed whether dog bites of any type can be investigated; minutes state the ordinance permits filing a written complaint in such cases, with the Selectboard responsible for investigation and determining consequences (except ordering a dog destroyed).
No adoption vote occurred at the Aug. 4 meeting. The board was told a public hearing is not required before adoption; the ordinance will be placed on the next agenda for adoption, then published in five places with a 60-day window for petitions. Town Administrator Tulloch will ask the Town Attorney whether the old ordinance must be formally rescinded.
