GREENE – Barking has become such an issue in town that selectmen have given the dog ordinance more bite.
Under the revised law, barking dogs have been declared a public nuisance and deemed a disturbance of the peace. The first step to address a complaint is to issue a written warning to the dog owner. Selectmen agreed that the animal control officer would then explain the financial burden that may fall on the owner if the problem does not stop.
If the ordinance passes during the next annual town meeting, dog owners found guilty would have to pay between $50 and $250 per violation.
Selectman Timothy Doyle stressed that this is in addition to paying all fees and surcharges assessed or required by the court incurred by the town.
Revisions of the ordinance are forthcoming to give the judge the jurisdiction in extreme cases to remove the animal from the owner and possibly the town, if necessary.
The town will have another chance to voice its opinion on the issue at the next selectmen’s meeting before voting on the ordinance during the annual town meeting.
The terms of Selectman Kevin Mower and SAD 52 director Wallace Veilleux will expire in March. Residents have until 4 p.m. Jan. 17 to submit nomination papers for those offices to the town office. Papers must contain the signatures of at least 25 registered Greene voters.
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