HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-06 Danby Town Board
Minutes of Public Hearing and Meeting
December 6, 2010
Present:
Supervisor: Ric Dietrich
Councilpersons: Leslie Connors,Kathy Halton,Dan Klein,Dylan Race
Others Present:
Town Clerk Pamela Goddard
Code Enforcement Sue Beeners
Bookkeeper Laura Shawley
Ted Crane,Joel Gagnon,Ronda Roaring,Anne Becker,Pamela Billington, Lew Billington, Gary
Bortz, Gay Huddle, Garry Huddle, and others who did not sign in.
The public hearing was opened at 7:05pm.
Town Clerk Goddard read the following legal notice:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE,that the Town of Danby Town Board will hold the following Public Hearing on December
6,2010 at the Danby Town Hall, 1830 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY:
7:00 p.m. -PUBLIC HEARING to consider adoption of Local Law-Licensing, Identification, &Control of Dogs in
the Town of Danby.The purpose of this Local Law is to provide for the licensing and identification of dogs,the
control and protection of the dog population and the protection of persons, property,and other animals from dog
attack and damage.A copy of the proposed law is available for public review at the Town of Danby Website
[http://town.danby.ny.us/]and at the Town Clerk's Office.
All persons will be heard either in writing or in person.
The Clerk received Email correspondence containing nineteen opinions regarding this law.All
were in regard to the question of whether the category"War Dogs" should be excluded from the list
of working/service dogs exempted from licensing fees.Eighteen were in favor of the exemption from
fees, one was opposed to the exemption.All nineteen were read out loud by the Clerk,in the order
they were received.
Gary Bortz spoke in favor of a license fee exemption for War Dogs. He asked how many dogs are
in this group. The Town Clerk reported that there are currently no dogs licensed with exemptions of
any type.To the best of her knowledge,there have not been any"War Dogs" licensed in Danby in
recent years. This may be because people do not know that an exemption is available.
Gay Huddle spoke in favor of a license fee exemption for War Dogs. She pointed out that there is
an active military support group in Danby. In her opinion,removing the exemption showed a lack of
respect and towns should pass consistent laws in this area.
Ted Crane submitted written comments to the Board. He urged the Board to amend the current
proposed law to include the fee exemption and to pass the Dog Licensing Law. He suggested that, if
there is an objection to the word"war"that the dogs could be defined as"military service dogs,re-
tired."
Anne Becker spoke in favor of a license fee exemption for War Dogs. She pointed out that the
dogs are almost certainly discharged with the soldier they served with, and removing this exemption
is disrespectful to the veterans. If funds are a problem, consider removing exemptions as a whole.
Lew Billington, as an anti-war advocate, spoke in favor of a license fee exemption for War Dogs.
He said that this might not be the best venue for voicing an anti-war protest.
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 1 of 14
An unidentified woman asked a question about Section 8 of the Dog Licensing Law,regarding
adequate conditions for housing dogs. She wanted to to know who would make the decision about
"adequate."Her concern is that this statute is vague. Dietrich responded that this would be a matter
for the control officer. Danby contracts through the Tompkins County Animal Control/SPCA.
The public hearing was closed at 7:40pm
Danby Dog Licensing Law:
There was a discussion of reintroducing War Dogs in the class of service dogs exempt from li-
censing fees. Halton proposed that the Board pass the wording as found in the original Ag&Markets
version of the sample law. Connors suggested that the terminology be changed to"military service
dog."
RESOLUTION NO.130 OF 2010—CONSIDER ADOPTION-PROPOSED LOCAL LAW N0. 6 OF 2010 LICENSING,
IDENTIFICATION,AND CONTROL OF DOGS IN THE TOWN OF DANBY.
WHEREAS,the Town Board of the Town of Danby is considering adoption of proposed Town of Danby Local
Law Number 6 of 2010 related to Licensing, Identification, and Control of Dogs in the Town of Danby; and
WHEREAS,this is a SEQRA Type II action for which no further environmental review is required; and
WHEREAS,the Town Board on December 6,2010 has held a Public Hearing on this proposed local law,which
Public Hearing was duly noticed in the Ithaca Journal; NOW,THEREFORE, IT IS
RESOLVED,that the Town Board of the Town of Danby hereby adopts Town of Danby Local Law Number 6 of
2010 related to Licensing, Identification, and Control of Dogs in the Town of Danby;which Local Law is incorpo-
rated into this Resolution; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED,that in accord with Section 21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law, the final adopted copy
of these Local Laws shall be presented to the Town Supervisor for approval; and it is
FURTHER RESOLVED,that upon such approval by the Supervisor(or other approval occurring pursuant to said
Section 21 of the Municipal Home Rule Law), and within 20 days after the final adoption of this Local Law,the
Town Clerk shall file a certified copy of this Local Law,together with the required Certifications, in the Office of
the Town Clerk and with the New York State Secretary of State as required by Municipal Home Rule Law Section
27.
Moved by Connors, Second by Klein. The motion passed (see below, following
amendments, tabling, and resolution 13) .
AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION NO.130 OF 2010—EXEMPTIONS.
RESOLVED that"War Dogs"shall be included in the license fee exemptions, as is consistent with the NYS Ag &
Markets law being passed by all other New York municipalities.
Moved by Klein, Second by Dietrich. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich
MOTION TO TABLE RESOLUTION NO.130 OF 2010
Moved by Connors, Second by Halton. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich
RESOLUTION NO.131OF 2010—CERTIFICATE OF NECESSITY.
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Supervisor to sign a Certificate of
Necessity attesting to the necessity of passage of the law at this time.
Moved by Race, Second by Connors. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes•Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 2 of 14
MOTION TO REINTRODUCE RESOLUTION NO.130 OF 2010
Moved by Dietrich, Second by Race. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich
VOTE ON RESOLUTION NO.130 OF 2010
In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich
(The body of Local Law#6 is in Appendix A)
Privilege of the Floor:
Joel Gagnon reminded the Board that floodlighting on the front of the Town Hall still needs to be
fixed. Supervisor Dietrich said that the maintenance person needs to find a taller ladder.
Highway Department Spreader:
Shawley informed the Board of the need for a new, larger spreader. This spreader will be used on
the Highway pickup truck. Carl Seamon will use this spreader during his usual road inspections, sav-
ing the Town time and money by not bringing in staff for occasional overtime work. This spreader
can hold three times the material of the old spreader.The smaller spreader can be used on another ve-
hicle as back up.
RESOLUTION NO.132 OF 2010—AUTHORIZE FUNDS FOR SPREADER.
RESOLVED that the Town Board of the Town of Danby authorizes the Town Highway Superintendent to spend
up to$5,000.00 from the equipment fund for the purchase of a new spreader.
Moved by Klein, Second by Race. The motion passed.
In Favor: Connors, Halton, Klein, Race, Dietrich
Broadband Report:
Dietrich gave an update.The County has convened a group to work on providing high speed ac-
cess to all areas of the County. Over 100 applicants came forth.Nine were chosen. Dietrich will rep-
resent Danby in this group. This group will meet once a month.
Youth Services:
There was a general discussion about the direction for youth services in 2011. Dylan Race and
Asher Hockett have scheduled a meeting to talk about past and future programming. Dietrich sug-
gested that a time be scheduled for the first part of 2011,when the Board and representatives of the
Recreation Partnership and Youth Services can plan for the future,based on the needs of Danby
youth. Race suggested starting by canvassing Danby residents,particularly participants of services,
regarding needed and effective programs. This survey might be placed in the Danby Area News.
Halton made a request for data on youth services participation by Danby residents for the past
few years. Klein and Race said that information for 2009 from the Rec. Partnership and Cooperative
Extension could be made available at the next Board meeting. Joel Gagnon reported on a discussion
by the Danby Community Council on this topic. Efforts are being made to fund a part-time youth
services position by holding onto remaining 2010 funds.
Board/Committee Vacancies:
There was a short discussion about upcoming vacancies on the Planning Board and BZA. Com-
munication has been received from Joe Schwartz and Asher Hockett.A notice of vacancies was pub-
lished in the December Danby Area News.
Beeners informed the Board about the need for Planning Board alternates, as written in Danby
Local Law#2 of 2007. (Section 3a)"The Town Board shall additionally appoint two(2) alternate
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 3 of 14
members of the Planning Board to substitute, on an alternating basis..." She advised that the Town
Board either appoint alternating members or make an amendment to that local law for"may appoint"
in place of"shall appoint."The Planning Board did not have strong feelings either way.A suggestion
from the Planning Board was made that Alternates be seated, active members who do not vote except
in cases of conflict of interest or extended absence.A copy of this section of the law will be made
available to the Board at the next meeting.
Gas Drilling Task Force:
Halton reported on activities in other towns, including petition drives in Ulysses and Dryden.A
survey of leased property in Danby is being updated in order to assess what percentage of land in the
town is leased.A number of leases are expiring this year and not being renewed.A petition drive,to
gauge Danby intent,may be undertaken in the future.
The Critical Environmental Areas committee is active and progressing on its mapping project.
Beeners reported on a day-long event via Ben Altman. This group is looking forward to looking to
working with the Conservation Advisory Council.
Emergency Management:
Dietrich spoke about initiatives related to emergency response and gas drilling. He hopes to build
communication between the Town and the Fire District.Negative examples in Pennsylvania are being
watched. There is a thought to have Town Clerks as essential emergency management coordinators.
The City of Ithaca system may be a model. There is concern about the current level of training at the
fire departments.
Fire Department Vote:
There was a reminder about the upcoming vote on December 14.There was a short discussion
about best methods of presenting information to the public about candidates and issues.
Short/Written Reports:
Reports and information was distributed from the Water District, Code Enforcement Office, Fire
District,the Town Attorney, and Justice Office.
Hill Road Correspondence:
Dietrich gave an update.A letter was sent by the Supervisor through the Town Clerk. Dietrich has
visited and spoken with all parties. He will visit again to see whether progress has been made.
Adjournment
A motion to adjourn the Meeting was made at 9:12 pm.
Pamela S Goddard,Town Clerk
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes•Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 4 of 14
Appendix A
TOWN OF DANBY LOCAL LAW #6 OF 2010
Licensing, Identification, and Control of Dogs in the Town of Danby
Section 1. Title.
The title of this Local Law shall be, "Licensing, Identification, and Control of Dogs in the
Town of Danby."
Section 2. Authority.
This Local Law is adopted pursuant to Article 7 of the Agriculture and Markets Law of the
State of New York.
Section 3. Purpose.
The purpose of this Local Law is to provide for the licensing and identification of dogs, the
control and protection of the dog population and the protection of persons, property, and
other animals from dog attack and damage.
Section 4. Application.
1. This Local Law shall apply to all areas of the Town of Danby.
2. In the event that any dog owned by a non-resident of the Town of Danby is harbored
within the Town for a period of 30 days or less such dog shall be exempt from the identi-
fication and licensing provisions of this Local Law provided such dog is licensed pursu-
ant to the provisions of law of the area of residence.
3. This Local Law shall not apply to any dog confined to the premises of any public or pri-
vate hospital devoted solely to the treatment of sick animals, or confined to an animal
shelter devoted to the impounding and caring of animals.
Section 5. Definitions.
As used in this Local Law, the following words shall have the following respective meanings:
1. "Altered" shall refer to a dog that has been spayed or neutered.
2. "At large" means an unleashed dog not under control of the owner and off the premises
of the owner
3. "Companion animal" means any dog or cat, and shall also mean any other domesticated
animal normally maintained in or near the household of the owner or person who cares
for such other domesticated animal. "Companion animal" shall not include a "domestic
animal" as defined in this Section.
4. "Dangerous dog" means any dog which
a. without justification attacks a person, companion animal, farm animal, or domestic
animal as defined in this section and causes physical injury or death, or
b. behaves in a manner which a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and
unjustified imminent threat of serious physical injury or death to one or more per-
sons, companion animals, farm animals or domestic animals or
c. without justification attacks a "Guide Dog", "Hearing Dog", "Service Dog", "Working
Search Dog", "Detection Dog", "Police Work Dog", "War Dog," or "Therapy Dog" and
causes physical injury or death.
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes•Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 5 of 14
d. "Dangerous dog" does not include a "Police Work Dog", while being used to assist
one or more law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties.
5. "Detection dog" means any dog that is trained and is actually used for such purposes or
is undergoing training to be used for the purpose of detecting controlled substances, ex-
plosives, ignitable liquids, firearms, cadavers, or school or correctional facility contra-
band.
6. "Dog" means any mammal of the family or genus canine or canidea, including the spe-
cies Canis Familiaris.
7. "Dog Control Officer" means any individual appointed by the Town to assist in the en-
forcement of this Local Law or any authorized officer, agent or employee of an incorpo-
rated humane society or similar incorporated dog protective association under contract
with the Town to assist in the enforcement of this Local Law.
8. "Domestic animal" means any domesticated sheep, horse, cattle, fallow deer, red deer,
sika deer, whitetail deer which is raised under license from the New York State Depart-
ment of Environmental Conservation, llama, goat, swine, fowl, duck, goose, swan, tur-
key, confined domestic hare or rabbit, pheasant or other bird which is raised in confine-
ment under license from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
before release from captivity, except that the varieties of fowl commonly used for cock
fights shall not be considered domestic animals for the purposes of this Local law.
9. "Farm animal", as used in this Local Law, means any ungulate, poultry, species of cattle,
sheep, swine, goats, llamas, horses or fur-bearing animals, as defined in New York State
Environmental Conservation Law, which are raised for commercial or subsistence pur-
poses. Fur-bearing animal shall not include dogs or cats.
10. "Guide dog" means any dog that is trained to aid a person who is blind and is actually
used for such purpose, or any dog owned by a recognized guide dog training center lo-
cated within the State of New York during the period such dog is being trained or bred for
such purpose.
11. "Harbor" means to provide food or shelter to any dog for more than four months.
12. "Hearing dog" means any dog that is trained to aid a person with a hearing impairment
and is actually used for such purpose, or any dog owned by a recognized training center
located within the State of New York during the period such dog is being trained or bred
for such purpose.
13. "Identification tag" means a tag issued by the Town of Danby or other licensing munici-
pality which sets forth an identification number, together with the name of the municipal-
ity, the State of New York, contact information, including telephone number for the mu-
nicipality, and such other information as the licensing municipality deems appropriate.
14. "Identified dog" means any dog carrying an identification tag.
15. "Municipality" means any county, town, city or village.
16. "New York State Agriculture and Markets Law" means the Agriculture and Markets Law
of the State of New York in effect as of the effective date of January 1, 2011 and as
amended thereafter.
17. "Owner" means any person who harbors or keeps any dog. If a dog is not licensed, the
term of "owner" shall designate and cover any person or persons, firm, association or
corporation who or which at any time owns or has custody or control of, harbors, or is
otherwise responsible for any animal which is kept, brought or comes within the Town.
Any person owning or harboring a dog for a period of one week prior to the filing of any
complaint charging a violation of this Local Law shall be held and deemed to be the
owner of such dog for the purpose of this Local Law. In the event any dog found to be in
violation of this Local Law shall be owned by a minor (under 18 years of age), the head
of the household in which said minor resides shall be deemed to have custody and con-
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes•Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 6 of 14
trol of said dog and shall be responsible for any acts of said dog and violation of this Lo-
cal Law.
18. "Owner of record" means the person purchasing the license or in whose name any dog
was last licensed. An owner of record shall be 18 years of age or older.
19. "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association or other organized
group of persons, municipality, or other legal entity.
20. "Police work dog" means any dog owned or harbored by any state or municipal police
department or any state or federal law enforcement agency, which has been trained to
aid law enforcement officers and is actually being used for police work purposes.
21. "Recognized registry association" means any registry association that operates on a na-
tionwide basis, issues certificates and keeps such records as may be required by the
Commissioner of Agriculture.
22. "Service dog" means any dog that has been or is being individually trained to do work or
perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability, provided that the dog is or will
be owned by such person or that person's parent, guardian or other legal representative.
23. "Therapy dog" means any dog that is trained to aid the emotional and physical health of
patients in hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes and other settings and is actually
used for such purpose, or any dog owned by a recognized training center located within
the state during the period such dog is being trained or bred for such purpose.
24. "Town" means the area within the corporate limits of the Town of Danby.
25. "Town Board" means the Town of Danby Board.
26. "Town Clerk" means the Danby Town Clerk.
27. "Unaltered" shall refer to any dog that is not spayed or neutered.
28. "Working search dog" means any dog that is trained to aid in the search for missing per-
sons, is actually used for such purpose and is registered with New York State; provided,
however, that such services provided by said dog shall be performed without charge or
fee.
29. "War dog" means any dog which has been honorably discharged from the United States
armed services, as defined in article 7 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets
Law.
Section 6. Licensing.
1. Application for Original License.
a. The owner of any dog reaching the age of four months shall immediately make appli-
cation to the Town Clerk for a dog license on a form provided by the Town Clerk's
Office. No license shall be required for any dog which is under the age of four
months and which is not at large, or any dog that is residing in a pound or shelter
maintained by or under contract or agreement with the State of New York or any
county, city, town or village, duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to
animals, duly incorporated humane society or duly incorporated dog protective asso-
ciation.
b. In the case of a dog being redeemed or a dog being adopted from a shelter or pound
the Town Clerk and the manager of the facility shall establish a licensing procedure
that is agreeable and beneficial to both the Town of Danby and the shelter or pound.
2. Rabies Vaccination Required.
All applications for a dog license shall be accompanied by a valid rabies certificate
signed by a licensed veterinarian or, in lieu thereof, a statement certified by a licensed
veterinarian stating that the dog is too young to be vaccinated or because of old age or
another reason, the life of the dog would be endangered by the administration of vac-
cine. A copy of the rabies certificate or certified statement shall be made and attached to
the Clerk's copy of the application. In the case of a dog being redeemed or adopted
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes•Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 7 of 14
from a shelter copies shall be forwarded to the Town Clerk. Such records shall be kept
on file by the Town Clerk and be made available upon request for rabies and other ani-
mal disease control efforts.
3. Spay/Neuter Certificates.
In the case of a spayed or neutered dog, every application shall be accompanied by a
certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian or an affidavit signed by the owner, showing
that the dog has been spayed or neutered. In lieu of the spay or neuter certificate an
owner may present a statement certified by a licensed veterinarian stating that he has
examined the dog and found that because of old age or other reason, the life of the dog
would be endangered by spaying or neutering. In such case, the license fee for the dog
shall be the same as for a spayed or neutered dog as set forth in Part 6 of this Section.
4. License.
Upon receiving a complete application, the required documents and the fee, the Town
Clerk shall issue a license and tag. The Town Clerk's copy shall be kept on file in accor-
dance with the Records Retention and Disposition Schedule MU-1 issued by the New
York State Archives and Records Administration.
5. Expiration of License.
An original license shall be issued for a period of one year, and shall expire on the last
day of the month of the period for which they are issued.
6. License Renewal.
a. License renewal forms shall be mailed by the Town Clerk.
b. A new rabies certificate shall be required if the one on record has expired or expires
within 30 days of the date of renewal. An in-lieu-of statement as described in Part 2
of this Section may be substituted for a rabies certificate. New rabies certificates and
statements shall be copied and attached to the Town Clerk's copy of the renewal.
c. A spay/neuter certificate shall not be required if one is already on file with the Town
Clerk. In a case where the dog has been altered during the preceding year, the cer-
tificate shall be presented to the Town Clerk in order to receive the reduced fee for
an altered dog. The Town Clerk shall make a copy of the certificate and attach it to
the original license on file.
d. The renewal shall expire on the last day of the month in the same month that it was
originally issued. (i.e, a license originally issued in January will always expire in
January.)
e. Renewing early or late, does not change the renewal month. However, owners hav-
ing more than one dog may request common renewal dates for their licenses, which
may be granted at the discretion of the Town Clerk, provided that all other licensing
and renewal requirements are met. No licensing fees will be prorated, refunded, or
waved when accommodating such a request.
f. Upon renewal the Town Clerk shall provide a validated license to the owner. The
Clerk's copy shall be kept on file in accordance with the Records Retention and Dis-
position Schedule MU-1 issued by the New York State Archives and Records Admin-
istration.
7. License Fees.
Pursuant to this Local Law, the Town Board of the Town of Danby is authorized to estab-
lish by resolution, a schedule fees pertaining to the licensing, identification and enumera-
tion of dogs. The Town Board may amend the fee schedule by resolution from time to
time as it deems appropriate. The most current fee schedule will be kept on file in the
office of the Danby Town Clerk for public inspection.
a. All applications for original licenses or renewals shall be accompanied by a fee es-
tablished by resolution of the Danby Town Board. The total fee for an unaltered dog
shall be at least 5 dollars more than the total fee for an altered dog.
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes•Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 8 of 14
b. All revenue derived from such fees shall be the sole property of the Town of Danby
and shall be used only for controlling dogs and enforcing this Local Law and Article 7
of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law. Said revenue may also be used to
subsidize the spaying or neutering of dogs, any facility as authorized under Article 7
of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, and subsidizing public humane edu-
cation programs in responsible dog ownership.
c. In no event shall any money derived from license fees be used to subsidize the spay-
ing or neutering of cats or animals other than dogs.
d. No license fees are refundable or partially refundable in the event that a dog is lost,
stolen, sold, given away, surrendered or deceased before the expiration of the li-
cense.
e. An additional fee may be established by resolution of the Danby Town Board should
a dog be identified as unlicensed during an enumeration. Such additional fee shall
be the property of the Town of Danby and shall be used to pay the expenses incurred
while conducting the enumeration. In the event the additional fees collected exceed
the expenses incurred, such excess fees may be used for enforcing this Local Law
and for spaying or neutering dogs.
f. In addition to the fees set by the Town Board, an assessment of$3.00 for each unal-
tered dog and $1.00 for each altered dog shall be charged for the purpose of carry-
ing out population control efforts as mandated by Article 7 of New York State Agricul-
ture and Markets Law. Money derived from such additional assessment may be used
to subsidize the spaying and neutering of cats as well as dogs pursuant to Article 7 of
New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
8. Exemptions to License Fees.
Licenses for any guide dog, hearing dog, service dog, working search dog, detection
dog, police work dog, war dog, or therapy dog shall be exempt from license fees. Each
copy of any license for such dogs shall be conspicuously marked "Guide Dog", "Hearing
Dog", "Service Dog", "Working Search Dog", "Detection Dog", "Police Work Dog", "War
Dog" or "Therapy Dog", as may be appropriate, by the Town Clerk. Pursuant to Article 7
of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, said dogs are not exempt from the
mandated population control fee.
9. Identification of dogs.
a. When a dog is originally licensed, a Town of Danby identification number will as-
signed and an identification tag shall be issued, which shall be worn by the dog at all
times.
b. Existing New York State Agriculture and Markets dog licenses being renewed or
transferred in from another municipality shall be assigned a Town of Danby identifica-
tion number and an identification tag shall be issued. The New York State Agriculture
and Markets tag or other municipality's tag shall be discarded and the Town of Danby
tag shall be worn by the dog at all times.
c. A dog participating in a dog show is exempted from wearing an identification tag only
for the duration of the show.
d. No identification tag shall be affixed to the collar of any dog other than the one to
which it was assigned.
e. Any guide dog, service dog, hearing dog or detection dog may wear a special tag for
identifying such dog, provided that such tag shall be in addition to the identification
tag required by the Town. Such tag shall be a different color, shape and imprint than
the Town identification tag and may be provided by the Town at the expense of the
owner.
f. Lost tags shall be replaced at the expense of the owner at a fee set by the Danby
Town Board.
Town Board Public Hearing and Meeting Minutes•Tuesday,December 14,2010 Page 9 of 14
10. Change of Address.
When there is a change of address for the owner of record, the owner shall notify the
Town Clerk's Office of such change. If the change is still within the Town of Danby, the
Town Clerk will make the appropriate updates to the dog license record. If the change is
located outside the Town of Danby, the Town Clerk shall make a note in the record and
cancel the license. The Clerk shall forward a copy of the license to the Clerk of the mu-
nicipality to which the owner has moved, informing said Clerk that the dog now resides in
their municipality.
11. Change of Ownership.
In the event of a change in the ownership of any dog licensed in the Town of Danby, the
new owner shall immediately make application for a license for such dog. Additionally,
the original owner of record shall notify the Town Clerk's Office of the change of owner-
ship. Such original owner of record shall be liable for any violation under this Local Law
until such filing is made or until the dog is licensed in the name of the new owner.
12. Lost, Stolen or Deceased Dog.
If any dog which has been licensed in the Town of Danby is lost, stolen or deceased, the
owner of record shall notify the Town Clerk's Office within ten days of the discovery of
such loss, theft or death.
13. Lists of Licensed Dog Owners.
No dog licensing records, information, or lists shall be made available to any person for
commercial purposes.
14. Purebred Licenses.
The Town of Danby will not issue purebred licenses.
Section 7. Prohibited Acts.
It shall be unlawful for:
1. Any owner to allow any dog to run at large.
2. Any owner to fail to restrain any dog by an adequate collar and leash unless it is accom-
panied by its owner or a responsible person able to control it by voice command.
3. Any owner to allow any dog to engage in habitual loud howling, barking, crying or whin-
ing or conduct itself in such a manner so as to unreasonably and habitually annoy and/or
disturb any person other than the owner of such dog.
4. Any owner to allow any dog to cause damage or destruction to property or defecate, uri-
nate, dig or otherwise commit a nuisance other than on the property of the owner of such
dog.
5. Any owner to allow any dog to chase, jump upon or at, or otherwise harass any person
in such a manner as to reasonably cause intimidation or fear or to put such person in
reasonable apprehension of bodily harm or injury.
6. Any owner to allow any dog to chase, run alongside of, bark at or otherwise harasses
any motor vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, carriage or any other vehicle or device used by
persons for travel or any riders or occupants thereof while said vehicle or device is on a
public highway or private property other than property of the owner of said dog. For pur-
poses of this section, a horse or other animal shall be considered a vehicle or device.
7. Any owner to fail to license any dog at the age of four (4) months or older, or allow any
dog to be unlicensed due to failure to renew a dog license.
8. Any owner to fail to have any dog identified by a valid and current Town of Danby dog
license identification tag.
9. Any person to knowingly affix to any dog any false or improper identification tag or any
identification tag belonging to another dog.
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10. Any owner or custodian of any dog to fail to confine, restrain or present such dog for any
lawful purpose pursuant to this Local Law or Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and
Markets Law.
11. Any person to furnish any false or misleading information on any license or form, re-
quired by the Town, the Danby Dog Control Officer, or any shelter or pound servicing the
Town of Danby.
12. Any owner to fail to notify the Town Clerk of any change of ownership, change of ad-
dress, death or loss of any dog licensed in the Town of Danby.
13. Establishment of the fact or facts that a dog has committed any of the acts prohibited by
this Local Law shall be presumptive evidence against the owner of such dog that he/she
has failed to properly confine, leash or control his/her dog.
Section 8. Conditions for Keeping Dogs.
All premises occupied by dogs shall be kept in a clean, sanitary condition. Adequate food,
water, shelter and space must be provided for each dog owned. For the purpose of this Sec-
tion, "adequate" shall mean sufficient for age, size and number of dogs on the premises.
Section 9. Female Dogs.
All female dogs, while in season (heat), shall be confined to the premises of their owner and
my not be left outside unattended. Any owner not adhering to this section shall be subject to
having the dog seized by the Dog Control Officer and removed to a shelter or pound for con-
finement. The owner of any dog seized pursuant to this section shall be subject to an im-
poundment fee plus the shelter's usual daily boarding fees.
Section 10. Liability of Owner.
1. If a domestic, farm or companion animal is injured or killed as a result of being attacked,
chased or worried by any dog, the owner of said dog shall be liable for damage. The
owner of such injured or killed animal may make a complaint to the Dog Control Officer
or a police officer who shall proceed pursuant to the Dangerous Dog Section of Article 7
of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
2. In no event shall the Town of Danby or the County of Tompkins be held liable for any
damage done by any dog.
Section 11. Dangerous Dogs.
1. The determination of a Dangerous Dog shall be pursuant to Article 4 of New York State
Agriculture and Markets Law.
2. In the event that a dog is determined by the Danby Town Court to be a dangerous dog,
the Court shall give notice to the Town Clerk of such determination and note will be
made in the dog's record. Additionally, the Town Clerk shall notify law enforcement and
emergency services.
Section 12. Enforcement/Appearance Ticket.
Any Dog Control Officer or other person or persons, who are or may be lawfully authorized
by the Town, shall, and all peace officers may, administer and enforce the provisions of this
Local Law, and for such purpose shall have the authority to issue appearance tickets.
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Section 13. Seizure, Impoundment, Redemption and Adoption.
1. Any dog belonging to a person found in violation of any of the provisions of this Local
Law may be seized pursuant to the provisions of New York State Agriculture and Mar-
kets Law.
2. Any dog believed to be dangerous and which poses an immediate threat to the public
safety may be seized.
3. Any dog may be seized, which has been judged to be a Dangerous Dog pursuant to
New York State Agriculture and Markets Law and whose owner has failed to obey a
court order pertaining to said Dangerous Dog.
4. Every dog impounded dog shall be properly cared for, sheltered, fed and watered.
5. Each dog which is not identified, whether or not licensed, shall be held for a period of 5
days from the day seized during which period the dog may be redeemed by its owner.
Said owner shall provide proof that the dog has been licensed pursuant to this Local Law
and pay an impoundment fee established by resolution of the Town Board.
6. In the case of an identified dog, the owner of record shall be promptly notified by the Dog
Control Officer of the seizure and the procedure for redemption either personally or by
certified, return receipt requested mail. If notification is personally given, the dog shall be
held for a period of 7 days after the day of notice, during which period the dog may be
redeemed by the owner. If such notification is made by mail, the dog shall be held for a
period of 9 days from the date of mailing, during which period the dog may be redeemed
by the owner. Said owner shall provide proof that the dog has been licensed pursuant to
this Local Law and pay an impoundment fee established by resolution of the Town
Board.
7. Any dog unredeemed at the expiration of the appropriate redemption period shall be
made available for adoption or euthanized pursuant to the provision of New York State
Agriculture and Markets Law.
8. If the owner of any unredeemed dog is known, such owner shall be required to pay the
impoundment fees required by this Section.
9. The seizure of any dog shall not relieve any person from any violation of this Local Law
or New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.
Section 14. Complaint.
1. Any Town-designated Dog Control Officer or Agency having reasonable cause to believe
that a violation of this Local Law has been committed in his/her presence shall, and any
peace officer may, issue and serve upon such person an appearance ticket for such vio-
lation.
2. Any person who observes a dog in violation of this Local Law may file a complaint, under
oath, with a Town-designated Dog Control Officer or Agency specifying the nature of the
violation, the date thereof, a description of the dog, the location of the violation and the
name and residence, if known, of the owner of such dog. Such complaint may serve as
the basis for enforcing the provisions of this Local Law.
3. Upon receipt by the Town-designated Dog Control Officer or Agency of any such com-
plaint, that Officer or Agency shall issue an appearance ticket to the alleged owner of the
dog to appear before the Danby Town Court at a date and time specified.
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Section 15. Violations and Penalties.
1. A plea or conviction of a violation of this Local Law shall be prosecuted pursuant to penal
law, by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars ($25), except:
2. Where a person is found to have violated this Local Law or any prior Town of Danby Dog
Law within the preceding five years, the fine may be not less than fifty dollars ($50) and
3. Where the person is found to have violated this Local Law or any prior Town of Danby
Dog Law two or more times within the preceding five years, it shall be punishable by a
fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) or imprisonment for not more than fif-
teen (15) days, or both.
4. For the purpose of conferring jurisdiction upon courts and judicial officers generally, of-
fenses of this Local Law shall be deemed violations and for such purposes only all provi-
sions of law relating to violations shall apply.
Section 16. Additional Penalties.
1. Pursuant to Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, any person who
intentionally refuses, withholds, or denies a person, because he or she is accompanied
by an on-duty police work dog, working search, war, or detection dog, any accommoda-
tions, facilities, or privileges thereof shall be subject to a civil penalty of up to $200.00 for
the first violation and up to $400.00 for each subsequent violation.
2. Pursuant to Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, any person who for
the purpose of participating in the animal population control program shall falsify proof of
adoption from a pound, shelter, duly incorporated society for the prevention of cruelty to
animals, duly incorporated humane society or duly incorporated dog or cat protective
association or who shall furnish any licensed veterinarian of this state with inaccurate
information concerning his or her residency or the ownership of an animal or such per-
son's authority to submit an animal for a spaying or neutering procedure pursuant to this
Local Law and/or Section 117 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, and any
veterinarian who shall furnish false information concerning animal sterilization fees shall
be guilty of a violation prosecuted pursuant to the New York State Penal Law punishable
by a fine of not less than $250.00.
3. Section 17. Disposition of Fines.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, all moneys collected as fines or penalties by the
Town of Danby as a result of any prosecution for violations of the provisions of this Local
Law or Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Markets Law and all bail forfeitures by
persons charged with such violations shall be the property of the Town of Danby and shall
be paid to the Town Supervisor. Such moneys shall be used only for controlling dogs and
enforcing this Local Law. Said revenue may also be used to subsidize the spaying or neuter-
ing of dogs, any facility as authorized under Article 7 of New York State Agriculture and Mar-
kets Law, and subsidizing public humane education programs in responsible dog ownership.
Section 18. Nonliability.
No action shall be maintained against the Town of Danby, the Danby Dog Control Officer, or
any person or persons lawfully authorized by the Town when performing duties pursuant to
this Local Law or New York State Agriculture and Markets Law to recover the possession or
value of any dog, or for damages for injury or compensation for the destruction of any dog
seized or destroyed pursuant to the provisions of this Local Law or New York State Agricul-
ture and Markets Law.
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Section 19. Separability
If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase or provision of this Local Law shall be
judged invalid or held unconstitutional, it shall not affect the validity of the Local Law as a
whole or any part or provision thereof other than the part so decided to be invalid or uncon-
stitutional.
Section 20. Repealer.
This Local Law shall supersede all prior Local Laws, ordinances, rules and regulations rela-
tive to the control, licensing and fee schedules of dogs within the Town and they shall be,
upon the effectiveness of this Local Law, null and void.
Section 21. Effective Date.
This Local Law shall take effect the 1St day of January, 2011.
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