As used in this bylaw, unless the context otherwise
indicates, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMALS
All animals of any species, both male and female, including
but not limited to dogs and cats.
COMMERCIAL KENNEL
A kennel maintained as a business for or to include the boarding
or grooming of dogs.
LICENSE PERIOD
The time between January 1 and December 31, both dates inclusive.
LIVESTOCK OR FOWL
Animals or fowl kept or propagated by the owner for food
or as a means of livelihood, kept in proper houses or suitably enclosed
yards. Such phrase shall not include dogs, cats and other pets.
OWNER OR KEEPER
Any person or persons, firm, association or corporation owning,
keeping, or who has in his possession, for 11 consecutive days in
any calendar year, a dog or any other animal, licensed or unlicensed;
and cannot show to the satisfaction of the Animal Control Officer
that such animal was sold, had died, was given away or otherwise disposed
of. Further, if the owner or keeper of a dog or other animal be a
minor, the parent or guardian of such minor shall be held liable for
any violation of this bylaw.
RUN AT LARGE
Free of restraint and permitted to wander on private or public
ways at will.
No more than six dogs may be kept at any private
residence. Persons owning more than six dogs prior to the passage
of this bylaw are permitted to keep such dogs, but may not replace them
in excess of the permitted total. This section shall not be applicable
to dogs under the age of six months.
Any person or persons found guilty of a violation
of any provisions of MGL c. 272, §§ 77, 80A, 94 or
95, will forfeit the right to own or keep any animal within the Town
of Dalton and must immediately, upon conviction, surrender all animals
in his/her possession to the Animal Control Officer.
If written complaint is made to the Select Board
or Chief of Police regarding a vicious or dangerous dog or excessive
barking or other disturbance, such complaint shall be acted upon in
conformance with MGL c. 140, §§ 157 and 158.
The provisions of MGL c. 140, § 153,
pertaining to the form of warrants issued by Animal Control Officers
are incorporated herein.
The Animal Control Officer(s) duly appointed
or, in their absence, police officers shall enforce the provisions
of this Animal Control Bylaw and shall attend to all complaints or
other matters pertaining to animals in the Town of Dalton.