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Selectboard approves amended dog-bite order; attorney added statutory citation and appeal language
Summary
The board approved a dog-bite order as amended by the town attorney that clarifies the dog owner must pay victim medical costs 'in accordance with section 7 of the town animal ordinance,' adds a penalty reference to 20 VSA §3550, and notes appeals go to the Civil Division of Vermont Superior Court; the board agreed to finalize exhibits and sign the order before the statutory deadline.
The Brookfield Selectboard voted to move forward with a dog-bite order as revised by the town attorney to clarify penalties, payment responsibilities and appeal rights.
Board members said attorney edits included rewording to state the owner is ordered to pay all medical costs “in accordance with section 7 of the town animal ordinance” and adding that failure to comply could subject the owner to penalties under "20 VSA section 3550." The chair also noted a revision clarifying that appeals would go to the civil division of the Vermont Superior Court. The board discussed whether alternatives (such as permanent restraint) would be feasible in this case but emphasized the order's primary directive and statutory path.
Because the order must be issued before the statutory deadline, members agreed to finalize exhibit numbering with staff and to meet to sign the document promptly. The chair moved to adopt the pet-bite document as amended by the town attorney; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.
