The purpose of this article is to provide for the licensing
and identification of dogs, the control and protection of the dog
population and the protection of persons, property, domestic animals
and deer from dog attack and damage.
As used in this article, the following terms have the meanings
indicated:
ADOPTION
The delivery of a dog to any natural person 18 years of age
or older for the purpose of harboring a dog that has been seized or
surrendered.
CLERK
The Town Clerk of the Town of Blooming Grove, where licenses
are validated or issued pursuant to this article.
COMMISSIONER
The State Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets.
DOG
Any member of the species canis familiaris.
DOG CONTROL OFFICER
Any individual appointed by the Town Board to assist in the
enforcement of this article or any authorized officer, agent or employee
of an incorporated humane society or similar incorporated dog protection
association under contract with the Town to assist in the enforcement
of this article.
DETECTION DOG
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, explosives, ignitable liquids, firearms, cadavers,
or school or correctional facility contraband.
GUIDE DOG
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 located within the state during the period
such dog is being trained or bred for such purpose.
HARBOR
To provide food or shelter to any dog.
HEARING DOG
Any dog that is trained to aid a person with a hearing impairment
and which 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.
IDENTIFICATION TAG
A tag issued by the Town of Blooming Grove which sets forth
an identification number, together with the name of the Town, the
state of New York, contact information, including telephone number
for the Town and such other information as the Town Board deems appropriate.
IDENTIFIED DOG
Any dog carrying an identification tag, as required by the
provisions set forth in this article.
OWNER
Any person who harbors or keeps any dog.
OWNER OF RECORD
The person in whose name any dog was last licensed pursuant
to this article, except that if any license is issued on application
of a person under 18 years of age, the owner of record shall be deemed
to be the parent or guardian of such person. If it cannot be determined
in whose name any dog was last licensed or if the owner of record
has filed a statement pursuant to the provisions of § 112
of the state Agriculture and Markets Law, the owner shall be deemed
to be the owner of record of such dog, except that if the owner is
under 18 years of age, the owner of record shall be deemed to be the
parent or guardian of such person.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, partnership, association or
other organized group of persons, municipality, or other legal entity.
POLICE WORK DOG
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.
SERVICE DOG
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.
THERAPY DOG
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.
WAR DOG
Any dog which has been honorably discharged from the United
States armed services.
WORKING SEARCH DOG
Any dog that is trained to aid in the search for missing
persons and is actually used for such purposes; provided, however,
that such services provided by said dog shall be performed without
charge or fee.
The Town may establish and maintain a pound or shelter for dogs.
In lieu of or in addition to establishing and maintaining such pound
or shelter, the Town may contract for pound or shelter services with
any other municipality or with any incorporated humane society or
similar incorporated dog protective association, or shall establish
and maintain, jointly or with one or more other municipalities, a
pound or shelter.