Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-08-05
NEW DOC LAW
Cattle Commissioner Averlll Is sues Circular 10 Town Officials.

Cattle Commissioner Averill hal sent circular to the officials of towns cities and boroughs in relation to tht enforcement of the new dog law. Il the circular the cattle commissions says:
 The general assembly of 1907 hal repealed all of the old dog jaws Ol the statute book, and has enacted new code to take effect on July iirst with the exception that dog owner are given until October 1 to secure from the town clerks a metal tag td be attached to their dogs collars; and selectmen are given until October ta appoint dog wardens.
 As the public acts of 1907 win not bs published and placed in the hands od the public much before September | and as you have certain duties to per- form under the new law, I am mailing you herewith, in pamphlet form, corrected copy of Chapters 167 and El of the public acts of 1907, as amendt ed and entitled, respectively, "An Act Concerning Dogs," and "An Act Con. corning the Prevention and Treatment of Rabies" Section IA places upon this department the duty of securing the enforcement of these laws: am, therefore, taking the liberty at this early date to offer few suggestions to you in the hope that we may be rhe better enabled to work X, together in sympathy and harmony in our earnest efforts to enforce the law.
 If the new law has added to our of- ficial duties and responsibilities and allowed us slight, or perhaps no extra compensation, let us prove to our con. stituencies that we will not shirk ou1 civic duty and will endeavor to secure q strict enforcement of the law.
 It Is fact well known that in near ly every town in the state there have been many dogs that have not been registered under the old law and not more than one-half of those that have been registered have ever had a collar on as has been required by law.
 Under the new law every registered dog must not only wear a collar, but there must be attached to 1t tag the shape of which will indicate to the casual observer whether the dog is licensed up to date or not. It will thus be a very easy matter for the pub lie to know if the law is being enforc- ed or not.
 It will be no hardship for the owner to secure tag for his dog. It must be made hardship for him to neglect or refuse to do 1t.
 The duties of town clerk and select men under the new law are similar to those performed by them under the old law; desire. however. to offer a few suggestions as follows:
 When you give out tag for dog that has been registered in another town, you should demand and keep the tag previously worn by the dog.
 It Is not necessary for dogs under a kennel license to wear the collar or the tag unless they are allowed to be at large.
 Tags will cost the town clerk seven cents each ahd will be sold by the town clerks at ten cents each to the dog owner.
 You should, when you give out tag. place the number thereof on your rec ords so that the owner may be identi- fled by the tag number.
 Tn note addressed particularly to the selectmen, Cattle Commissioner Averill says: You are required to appoint a dog warden on or before October 1. this year, and on or before April 1 annually thereafter. Dog wardens appointed by you will have no jurisdiction In boroughs or cities. as the wardens of boroughs and the chiefs of police of cities have the au- thority to appoint for their respective Jurisdiction. would earnestly re- quest selectmen. borough wardens, and chiefs of police to report to me the names and addresses of dog wardens ae soan ae thay hara haan ony,nfo4aH