HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/17/2008Animal Shelter
June 17, 2008
For Discussion
JUN. 13.2008 11:52AM
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SCOTT A.
Town Hall Annex,
P.O. Box 1179
Sou~hold, N~w York 11971-0959
Telephone (631) 765-1939
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To:
From:
Date:
Subject:
MEMORANDUM
Members of the Town Board
Patricia A. Finnegan, Esq., Town Attorney
June 13, 2008
Animal Shelter
I have reviewed NYS Ag & Markets Article 7, which dictates the Town's
responsibilities concemin9 dogs, The Town is required to issue licenses, which
dog owners are required to obtain once a dog has reached the age of four
months. The license application should be accompanied by proof of rabies
vaccination, a certificate indicating the dog has been spayed or neutered (if
applicable) and a fee. There are reporting requirements to the state set forth in
the statute.
The Town is required to appoint a dog control officer, or centmct with an
organization for dog control officer services (as the Town has done), for the
purpose of assisting with the control of dogs and enforcement of Article 7. Each
Town shall maintain a pound or shelter for dogs, or may contract for shelter
services. The Town may provide for a facility offering spaying/neutering services
of dogs and cats owned by its residents, which service shall be provided for by
enacting a Local Law. The Ag & Markets Law sets forth the procedure for
seizure and redemption of dogs, and sets forth the time periods for holding the
dog (from 5-9 days), notifying the owner, etc. Upon expiration of the applicable
redemption pedod, ownership is surrendered and the dog may be adopted or
euthanized.
At the Board's request, I spoke with Pamela Mann, Esq., counsel for the
NFAWL, concerning the type of arrangement the NFAWL is seeking conceming
siting a wing or annex to the Town's shelter on the Town property. She indicated
that the NFAWL would require a long-term lease, and they would not be
interested in siting something for 3 or 4 years, or the term of the existing contract.
JUN. 13,2008 11:52AM N0.377 P, 2/2
When I pressed further on what the Court would accept, she said she felt that ten
years would not be long enough, and fifty yearn might be sufficient. She
indicated that the NFAWL is presently pursuing options other than an
arrangement with the Town for use of the funds.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments concerning
this matter.
PAF/Ik
cc: Ms. Elizabeth A. Neville, Town Clerk