[Adopted 10-14-2003 by Ord. No. 03-16]
A. 
To promote and protect the health, safety and general welfare of domestic animals.
B. 
To prevent abuse and cruelty to domestic animals.
C. 
Nothing in this article shall be construed to restrict or limit the municipal Animal Control Officer in the performance of his or her duties.
D. 
Nothing in this article shall nullify or override any state statute.
A. 
All veterinarians practicing in the Town of Stratford shall make a written report to the municipal Animal Control Officer of any and all instances when said veterinarian shall provide care to more than 10 domestic animals owned by one individual, corporation and/or partnership. The care must be provided to all 10 domestic animals in the same location during the same instance when the services are rendered.
B. 
Notwithstanding the above, all veterinarians practicing in the Town of Stratford shall make a written report to the municipal Animal Control Officer of any and all instances when said veterinarian treats a domestic animal that exhibits any signs of abuse or neglect.
C. 
Said veterinarian is required to make such written report to the municipal Animal Control Officer within 24 hours of rendering such medical treatment or care to such domestic animals.
D. 
Said report shall include the name of the owner, the owner's address and telephone number, the care/services provided, the kind of animal, the name, sex and breed of the animal, together with the veterinarian's professional assessment whether the animal appeared to suffer from abuse, neglect and/or cruelty as defined by state statute.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
Cats and dogs.
FINES
One hundred dollars per animal for each animal involved in each instance of an infraction under this article. The Town Council, in consultation with the Animal Control Officer, shall have the authority to periodically review and revise the amount of the fine imposed under this article.
OWNER
The person, corporation, partnership or entity primarily responsible for keeping the animal. In cases where the animal is owned by a minor, the parent or guardian of said minor shall be deemed the owner for purposes of this article.
A. 
The municipal Animal Control Officer may, after investigation, impose fines or take any other action imposed by this article and/or state statute, which the Animal Control Officer deems appropriate.
B. 
In the event impoundment of any animal may become necessary, the owner must pay all fines and costs incurred as a result of impounding the animal prior to the animal's release from impoundment.
C. 
Unpaid fines may become an assessment on real property and can be levied against the owner's property in the same manner as all other municipal fines.
D. 
Pursuant to Connecticut General Statute Section 22-329, any person who interferes with or obstructs or resists the Animal Control Officer in the discharge of his/her duty shall be fined not more than $50 or imprisoned not more than 30 days.