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Selectmen confront disputed unlicensed‑dog fines; cite RSA 466:14
Summary
Selectmen reviewed follow‑ups to unlicensed‑dog visits, noted a resident’s claim that only a single $25 forfeiture applies, and reiterated town policy that fines apply per dog under RSA 466:14; the board will draft a formal response and may seek precedent case numbers from Derry or refer unpaid matters to a regional prosecutor.
Selectmen considered ongoing enforcement for unlicensed dogs and a dispute over civil forfeiture fines at the July 27 meeting.
The minutes record that five homes have been visited regarding unlicensed dogs and one owner paid fines. A resident contended—citing a reply from Rep. Gruber—that only a single $25 forfeiture should apply; the town maintained that, under RSA 466:14, the forfeiture is assessed per unlicensed dog. The board noted that group license discounts apply only to licensing fees and not to fines.
For one case involving seven dogs the town calculated $175 in fines at $25 per dog. Selectmen discussed options that ranged from compromising to a single $25 fee to avoid legal costs to enforcing the full per‑dog fines in the interest of fairness to compliant residents. The board directed staff to draft a formal response to the resident and to seek a case number from Derry as a possible precedent; staff may refer unpaid fines to a regional prosecutor if necessary.
The board emphasized that the primary objective of enforcement is registration to ensure up‑to‑date rabies vaccination records and public safety rather than seizure of animals.
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