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.
All dogs within the Town of Van Buren four months of age or older, unless otherwise exempted, shall be licensed. The owner of each dog required to be licensed shall obtain, complete and return to the person or entity appointed pursuant to §
86-15 of this article a dog license application together with the license application fee, any applicable license surcharges and such additional fees as may be established by the Town of Van Buren pursuant to Article
III of this chapter. Each license application shall be accompanied by proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies or a statement from a licensed veterinarian that such vaccination would endanger the dog's life in which case vaccination shall not be required. Each license issued shall be valid for a period of one year and shall not be transferable.
When there is a change of address for the owner of record, the owner shall notify the person or entity appointed pursuant to §
86-15 of this article within 10 days of such change. If the change is still within the Town of Van Buren, the person or entity appointed pursuant to §
86-15 of this article will make the appropriate updates to the dog license record. If the change is located outside the Town of Van Buren, the person or entity appointed pursuant to §
86-15 of this article shall make a note in the record and cancel the license.
In the event of a change in the ownership of any dog licensed in the Town of Van Buren, the new owner shall immediately make application for a license for such dog. Additionally, the original owner of record shall notify the person or entity appointed pursuant to §
86-15 of this article of the change of ownership within 10 days of such change. Such original owner of record shall be liable for any violation under this chapter until such filing is made or until the dog is licensed in the name of the new owner.
This article shall be enforced by the Dog Control Officer appointed
by the Van Buren Town Board when acting pursuant to his or her special
duties.