Barking Dog Ordinance

Section I.

Anyone owning, possessing or harboring any animal within the legal limits of the Town of Poland which barks, howls or makes sounds common to its species continuously for 20 minutes or intermittently for one hour or more shall be deemed to constitute a nuisance. Exceptions: dogs barking at trespassers or threatening trespassers on private property on which dog is situated: or any legitimate cause for provocation.

Section II.

Upon written and signed statement by the person disturbed, any constable of the Town of Poland or duly qualified law enforcement official may investigate and may give written notice to the owner or keeper or such dog that such annoyance or disturbance must cease or must be corrected.

Section III.

Thereafter, upon continuance of such annoyance or disturbance, such owner shall be guilty of a civil violation and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $200.00 and assessed attorney’s fees for the first offense. Each additional conviction after the first conviction shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $400.00 and attorney’s fees. All fines and attorney’s fees assessed shall be recovered for the use of the Town of Poland through District Court.

Section IV.

On enactment this ordinance repeals and replaces the Town of Poland Barking Dog Ordinance enacted at the June 6, 1992 town meeting.