The purpose of this chapter 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. This chapter shall take effect January 1, 2011, and shall supersede the prior Chapter
109 of the Town Code.
No license shall be transferable. Upon the transfer of ownership
of any dog, the new owner shall immediately make application for a
license for such dog.
All dog licenses shall be issued for a one-year term beginning
on the date the license is issued.
The Town Supervisor may enter into a contract in lieu of appointment
of a Dog Control Officer for related services with any incorporated
humane society or dog protective association, and such contract shall
be ratified by the Town Board; said contract may provide for pound
or shelter services and spaying and neutering facilities. Any such
contract shall provide that when any animal is presented at a facility
for alteration, a notarized statement signed by the owner consenting
to such alteration shall be provided, and such statement shall hold
the Town, its agents, servants or employees harmless from and for
any damages.
In accordance with § 118 of the Agriculture and Markets
Law, the Town of Niagara hereby imposes impoundment fees as set from
time to time by resolution of the Town Board, which shall be collected
by the Town Clerk prior to the release of the dog.
The Supervisor, in his or her discretion, may order that all
dogs in the Town be confined between sunset and one hour after sunrise
during a period of time by the order of the Supervisor and until such
order is revoked. Notice of such order shall be given by publication
in a newspaper of general circulation in the Town and by filing a
copy of the order in the office of the Town Clerk.
Penalties for violation of this chapter, in addition to what
is specifically defined, shall be as provided in § 119 of
the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, and all fines collected
by the Town shall become the property of the Town.