SPRINGFIELD – Springfield resident Fred Culbert presented
information to the Springfield town board regarding a possible dog
control law at last Monday’s meeting. Culbert was selected to form a
dog control committee at October’s meeting and research other town’s
laws, then present those findings to the board.
The committee, which includes Culbert, Nancy Burnside, Joan Davis
and Dennis Dorn, not only drew up a proposed local law, but also asked,
through a memo to the town board, that the town advertises for a dog
control officer, conducts a dog enumeration, encourages dog owners to
license and immunize their animals, and to stress the importance of
proper care and control of animals.
The law is proposed to “restrain the running at large of dogs in the
town of Springfield.” The proposed law also states it is illegal to
have an unlicensed dog and all dogs over four months old must be
licensed with the town clerk.
Other highlights of the proposed law include: every dog owner must
provide proper food, water and shelter; dogs must be collared or
leashed when off the owner’s property; no habitual loud howling or
barking; no destruction of others’ property; no chasing, harassing,
intimidating or harming others; no defecating on others’ property
without the owner immediately removing the waste; a dog control officer
will act on complaints; and violators will be subject to fines.
Board members agreed to table the subject until next month after consulting the town’s attorney.
In other matters, Mary Clarke was appointed to the planning board to
fill the vacancy left by Rick Morris, who will take over as town
councilman at next month’s meeting.
The meeting was the last for Highway Superintendent Jerome Oakes and
Councilman John Walrath, who were both thanked for their service.
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