The purposes of this chapter are to promote the public health,
safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Meriden
by addressing the public nuisance caused by roaming and/or dangerous
dogs and to ensure that all animals receive adequate care. This chapter
is intended to supplement and not replace the provisions contained
in Connecticut General Statutes § 22-327 et seq., regarding
domestic animals. The Animal Control Officer or designee shall have
the discretion as to whether to proceed pursuant to state law or under
the provisions of this chapter.
As used in this chapter:
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
The officer or designee hired to administer and enforce the
licensing, inspection and enforcement requirements contained in this
chapter and the Connecticut General Statutes.
ANIMAL NUISANCE
Any nuisance arising out of the keeping, maintaining or owning
of, or the failure to exercise sufficient control of, a dog or other
animal.
AT-LARGE
Off the premises of the owner or custodian, and not on a
leash or otherwise under the immediate control of the owner or custodian
capable of restraining the animal.
DOG
Any member of the canine species, male or female.
KEEP
Possessing, controlling, exercising or allowing a dog or
domestic animal to run at-large.
NUISANCE or PUBLIC NUISANCE
Any dog that endangers the life or health of persons or other
animals, or substantially interferes with the right to enjoyment of
life or property. The term "nuisance" or "public nuisance" shall include,
but not be limited to, any dog that:
A.
Is repeatedly found at-large;
B.
Is found on public property where dogs are specifically prohibited;
C.
Damages, soils or defiles any property other than that of its
owner;
D.
Makes disturbing noises, including, but not limited to, continued
and repeated howling, barking or whining which causes annoyance or
disturbance to neighbors or others in close proximity to the premises
which the dog is kept or harbored;
E.
Is in heat and is not confined so as to prevent the attraction
or contact with other animals;
F.
Whether or not on the property of its owner, without provocation,
molests, attacks or otherwise unreasonably interferes with the freedom
of movement of persons and/or animals in a public right of way or
on property other than that of the dog's owner;
H.
Is dangerous to the public health, safety or welfare by virtue
of the number of animals maintained at a property and/or the inadequacy
of the facilities and care of the animal(s).
OWNER
Any person possessing, keeping, harboring or having custody
of a dog.
In addition to other remedies provided in this chapter and in
the Connecticut General Statutes, an Animal Control Officer may seize
and impound any of the following:
A. Any dog without a valid license tag;
B. Any roaming or at-large dog;
C. Any dog constituting a public nuisance or considered a danger to
the public;
D. Any dog that is in violation of a quarantine or confinement order
issued by the Animal Control Officer;
E. Any unattended animal that is ill, injured or in need of care;
F. Any animal that is believed to be abused or neglected;
G. Any animal that is suspected of having rabies;
H. Any animal which the Animal Control Officer or police have established
is a threat to public health and safety;
I. Any dog that the Animal Control Officer, a state agency or a court
of competent jurisdiction has ordered impounded or destroyed;
J. Any dog that is believed to be unattended or abandoned, such as in
situations where the owner has vacated the property or is deceased.