Upon receipt of an Affidavit of Complaint signed by one or more
persons made under oath before an Animal Control Officer, setting
forth the nature and date of the act, the owner of the animal, the
address of the owner and the description of the animal doing such
act, the Animal Control Officer shall investigate the complaint to
determine if in fact the animal is dangerous. Exemptions: No dog may
be declared dangerous if the threat, injury or damage was sustained
by a person who, at the time, was committing a willful trespass or
tort upon the premises occupied. Any dog used in law enforcement shall
be exempt. An incident bite fee of $50 per incident shall be charged
to the owner.
The Animal Control Officer after investigation may issue an
interim order that such dog be restrained or muzzled for a period
not to exceed 14 days to enable the Board of Selectmen or their designee
to set up a hearing. If the Selectmen or their designee fail to act
during the period of the interim order, upon expiration of the period
the interim order automatically is vacated.