CHAPTER 205
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
Adopted September 4, 1990
The Council of the Town of Gray hereby ordains that Chapter 205, an ordinance regulating the Control of Barking Dogs, be rescinded in its entirety; and that Chapter 205, Animal Control Ordinance, be amended by rescinding Section 205.2 and replacing it with the following:
SECTION 205.2 – DEFINITIONS
As used in this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise indicates,
a) “Dog” shall be intended to mean both male and female dogs.
b) “Owner” shall be intended to mean any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning, keeping or harboring a dog.
c) “At Large” shall be intended to mean off the premises of the owner; and not under the control of the owner; a member of his immediate family or other authorized person, either by leash, cord, chain, voice control or otherwise.
SECTION 205.3 – ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
The Town Manager shall be responsible for appointing an Animal Control Officer(s) whose duties shall be enforcement of the following sections; and such other duties to control animals as required by law.
SECTION 205.4 – ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER TO INVESTIGATE DOG BITES
The Animal Control Officer shall investigate all dog bites or other violations of this Ordinance or State law referred for investigation.
SECTION 205.5 – PENALTY FOR NONCOMPLIANCE
Whoever keeps a dog contrary to the provisions of this Ordinance shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100, to be recovered by complaint before any district court. Initial warnings may be issued by the Animal Control Officer or hand delivered; and shall constitute legal notice prior to any legal action.
SECTION 205.6 – LICENSE, RECORD, TAG REQUIREMENTS GENERALLY
License, record and tag requirements for dogs shall be as prescribed and required by State law.
SECTION 205.7 – RABIES
Any dog which is suspected of having Rabies, or has been bitten by another dog having or suspected of having Rabies (or, in either event, not having been immunized against Rabies) shall be immediately impounded in an animal shelter, veterinary clinic, animal refuge league or similarly authorized facility; and there confirmed for observation in a humane manner, as provided for by State law; provided, however the dog is transported immediately by its owner or the owner’s agent to such a facility, without requiring Town transportation; then no transportation fee under Section 205.8 shall be charged.
SECTION 205.8 – RECLAIMING
The owner shall be entitled to resume possession of an impounded dog after complying with the license provisions, paying a fifty dollar ($50) transportation fee per animal, and paying the impoundment fees.
SECTION 205.9 – DOGS NOT TO RUN AT LARGE
It shall be unlawful for any dog, licensed or unlicensed, to run at large, except when used for hunting. The owner or keeper of any dog found running at large shall be subject to the penalties provided in this ordinance and under State law.
Any Animal Control Officer shall be authorized to seize, impound or restrain any dog found in violation of this section; and deliver it to any shelter, animal refuge league, or similarly authorized facility, as provided for by State law; or shall take the dog to its owner, if known. If ownership cannot be established, such animals may be handled as strays for the purposes of acceptance by an approved shelter.
SECTION 205.10 – BARKING, HOWLING DOGS
No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog which by loud, frequent or habitual barking, howling or yelping shall disturb the peace of any person.
Electronic version created October 21, 2005
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