[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Goshen 5-27-2021 by L.L. No. 1-2021. Amendments noted where applicable.]
This chapter shall be known as the "Dog Control Law of the Town
of Goshen."
The Town of Goshen finds that dogs running at large pose risks
of physical harm to persons and damage to property and has created
nuisances within the Town. The purpose of this chapter is to protect
the health, safety and well-being of persons and property in the Town
by imposing restrictions and regulations upon the keeping or running
of dogs at large.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Any member of the species Canis familiaris.
Any individual appointed by the Town Board to assist in the
enforcement of this chapter.
To provide food or shelter to any dog.
Any person who harbors or keeps any dog. In the event any
dog found in violation of this chapter is owned by a person under
18 years of age, the owner shall be deemed to be the parent or guardian
of such person or the head of the household in which such person resides.
A.
It shall be unlawful for any owner of any dog or person responsible
for or harboring such dog to permit or to allow such dog, while in
the Town of Goshen, to be on property open to the public or on private
property without the consent of the owner or person in possession
of such private property, unless the dog is on a leash not more than
six feet in length and under the direct supervision and control of
the owner of the dog or other delegated responsible person.
B.
Exceptions. The requirement to leash a dog under Subsection A shall not apply to a police work dog in use for police work, a search-and-rescue dog engaged in search and rescue operations, service dogs, hunting dogs actively engaged in the act of hunting on unposted land or on posted land with the permission of the owner of the land, and/or working dogs trained and in use for farming and agricultural purposes such as herding and shepherding livestock, provided the permission of the owner of the land has been secured.
A.
This chapter shall be enforced by the Dog Control Officer or by any
police officer or by any person having jurisdiction under the Agriculture
and Markets Law.
B.
The Dog Control Officer or a police officer may issue and serve any
process relating to any proceeding under this chapter or any proceeding
in accordance with the provisions of the Agriculture and Markets Law
of the State of New York. All such officers shall have the power to
issue, pursuant to the Criminal Procedure Law, an appearance ticket
or a uniform appearance ticket and simplified information or any other
lawful process as provided in the New York State Agriculture and Markets
Law.
A violation of this chapter shall be punishable by a fine of
$0 to $100 for a first offense, and a fine of $0 to $250 for a second
and further offenses.
