Source: https://www.animallaw.info/statute/vt-dogs-wolf-hybrids-consolidated-dog-laws
Timestamp: 2018-05-20 11:47:47
Document Index: 646085215

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 3511', '§ 5001', '§ 4748', '§ 3511', '§ 5001', '§ 4748', 'art 8', '§ 3511', '§ 3512', '§ 3513', '§ 3542', '§ 3547', '§ 3548', '§ 3549', '§ 3550', '§ 3551', '§ 3681', '§ 3682', '§ 3683', '§ 3684', '§ 3741', '§ 4', '§ 3742', '§ 4', '§ 3743', '§ 4', '§ 3744', '§ 4', '§ 3745', '§ 4', '§ 3746', '§ 4', '§ 3747', '§ 4', '§ 3748', '§ 3749', '§ 3901', '§ 3902', '§ 3904', '§ 3908', '§ 3921', '§ 3922', '§ 3923', '§ 3924', '§ 5001', '§ 5003', '§ 5005', '§ 5', '§ 5006', '§ 4748', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 3', '§ 1151', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 7', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 15', '§ 7629', '§ 8292', '§ 6742', '§ 5651', '§ 1', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 16', '§ 8', '§ 2', '§ 3550', '§ 7', '§ 3', '§ 147', '§ 8', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 3', '§ 10', '§ 9', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 37', '§ 13', '§ 9', '§ 31', '§ 7600', '§ 8263', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 6715', '§ 1', '§ 5623', '§ 1', '§ 4821', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 4028', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 4', '§ 4', '§ 11', '§ 5', '§ 5', '§ 12', '§ 6', '§ 6', '§ 3', '§ 11', '§ 7', '§ 13', '§ 14', '§ 3', '§ 8', '§ 7', '§ 15', '§ 16', '§ 7614', '§ 8277', '§ 6727', '§ 5636', '§ 4833', '§ 4039', '§ 5', '§ 12', '§ 19', '§ 13', 'art 3', '§ 2', '§ 12', '§ 14', '§ 20', '§ 4', '§ 3', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 21', '§ 22', '§ 3741', '§ 3741', '§ 4', '§ 3741', '§ 10', '§ 4048', '§ 4842', '§ 5645', '§ 6736', '§ 8285', '§ 7622', '§ 3742', '§ 3742', '§ 4', '§ 3742', '§ 4043', '§ 1', '§ 4836', '§ 5639', '§ 6730', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 8280', '§ 7617', '§ 3743', '§ 3743', '§ 4', '§ 3743', '§ 4045', '§ 4839', '§ 5642', '§ 6733', '§ 3', '§ 8283', '§ 7620', '§ 3744', '§ 3744', '§ 4', '§ 3744', '§ 4044', '§ 2', '§ 4838', '§ 5641', '§ 6732', '§ 2', '§ 8282', '§ 7619', '§ 3745', '§ 3745', '§ 4', '§ 3745', '§ 2', '§ 4837', '§ 5501', '§ 5640', '§ 6731', '§ 8281', '§ 7618', '§ 3746', '§ 3746', '§ 4', '§ 3746', '§ 4841', '§ 5644', '§ 6735', '§ 4', '§ 8284', '§ 7621', '§ 3747', '§ 3747', '§ 4', '§ 3747', '§ 12', '§ 4049', '§ 4843', '§ 56', '§ 6737', '§ 8286', '§ 7623', '§ 3748', '§ 7626', '§ 8289', '§ 6740', '§ 5649', '§ 4846', '§ 4051', '§ 9', '§ 2', '§ 3749', '§ 7627', '§ 8290', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 10', '§ 23', '§ 2', '§ 24', '§ 2', '§ 3803', '§ 4895', '§ 5339', '§ 3', '§ 3804', '§ 25', '§ 3807', '§ 26', '§ 2', '§ 27', '§ 28', '§ 29', '§ 30', '§ 31', '§ 39', '§ 39', '§ 77', '§ 1', '§ 39', '§ 86', '§ 2', '§ 5', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 10', '§ 6', '§ 53', '§ 6', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 6', '§ 28', '§ 501', '§ 5', '§ 14', '§ 2', '§ 11', '§ 6', '§ 28', '§ 5', '§ 21', '§ 2', '§ 6', '§ 5', '§ 22', '§ 21', '§ 2', '§ 44', '§ 2', '§ 102', '§ 6', '§ 29', '§ 5', '§ 3', '§ 2', '§ 12', '§ 6', '§ 5', '§ 2', '§ 13', '§ 6', '§ 29', '§ 5', '§ 6', '§ 15', '§ 5', '§ 4', '§ 2', '§ 2', '§ 14', '§ 6', '§ 5', '§ 10', '§ 2', '§ 6', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 6', '§ 131', '§ 2', '§ 6', '§ 15', '§ 6', '§ 15', '§4301', '§ 7', '§4301', '§ 7', '§ 3901', '§ 4302', '§4301', '§ 7', '§ 3921', '§ 4303', '§4301', '§ 7', '§ 3922', '§ 4304', '§4301', '§ 7', '§ 3923', '§ 1', '§ 6', '§ 28', '§ 19', '§ 15', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 48', '§ 1', '§ 1', '§ 2', '§ 49', '§ 1', '§ 3', '§ 50', '§ 1', '§ 1']

VT - Dogs, Wolf-hybrids - Consolidated Dog Laws | Animal Legal & Historical Center
Full Statute Name: West's Vermont Statutes Annotated. Title 20: Internal Security and Public Safety. Chapter 193: DOMESTIC PET OR WOLF-HYBRID CONTROL. Chapter 199: SALE OF DOGS AND CATS. Title 10: Conservation and Development. Chapter 115: HUNTING DOGS.
Primary Citation: 20 V.S.A. § 3511 - 3513; 3541 - 3817, 3901 - 3915, 4301 - 4304; 10 V.S.A. § 5001 - 5007, § 4748 Country of Origin: United States Last Checked: February, 2018 Alternate Citation: VT ST T. 20 § 3511 - 3513; 3541 - 3817, 3901 - 3915, 4301 - 4304; VT ST T.10 § 5001 - 5007, § 4748
Title 20: Internal Security and Public Safety. Part 8. Animals.
Chapter 191. Control Generally. Subchapter 3. Abandoned Animals.
§ 3511 Abandoned animals, definition
§ 3512 Waiver of lien
§ 3513 Disposal of abandoned animals
Chapter 193: Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control. Subchapter 1. General Provisions .
§§ 3542 to 3544. Repealed
§ 3547 . Repealed
§ 3548 . Application to unorganized towns and gores; supervisors
§ 3549 . Domestic pets or wolf-hybrids, regulation by towns
§ 3550 . Penalties; enforcement; municipal legislative body; secretary
§ 3551 . Search warrants
Subchapter 2. Licenses. Article 1. General Provisions
Article 2. Killing Unlicensed Dogs
Subchapter 3. Kennels
§ 3681 . Pet dealer permit
§ 3682 . Inspection of premises
§ 3683 . Quarantine of premises
§ 3684 . Offenses; bill of costs in prosecution
Subchapter 4. Damages by Dogs
§ 3741. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
§ 3742. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
§ 3743. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
§ 3744. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
§ 3745. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
§ 3746. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
§ 3747. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
§ 3748 . Action by sheep owner against dog owner
§ 3749 . Bounty on dog killing or worrying sheep
Subchapter 5. Control of Rabies
Subchapter 6. Dog, Cat, and Wolf-Hybrid Spaying and Neutering Program and Fund
CHAPTER 194. WELFARE OF ANIMALS
§ 3901a Scope
§ 3902. Registration of fair
§ 3904. Repealed
§ 3908 . Adoption of regulations
Subchapter 3. Sale of cats, dogs, and wolf-hybrids
§ 3921 . Sale of a cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid; restitution
§ 3922 . Challenge by pet dealer or pet shop
§ 3923 . Administrative penalties
§ 3924 . Exemptions
Title 10: Conservation and Development.
Chapter 115: HUNTING DOGS.
§ 5001. Hunting dogs; field training
§ 5003. Retrieving dogs; field trials
§ 5005. Repealed. 1983, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.
§ 5006. Exemption; hunting license
CHAPTER 113. Game. SUBCHAPTER 2. Deer.
§ 4748 Dogs pursuing deer or moose
(2) Having been placed in custody for an unspecified period of time, the animal is not removed within ten days after notice to remove the animal has been given to the person placing the animal in custody by means of registered mail addressed to the last known address of the person.
-- 1967, No. 240 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Feb. 8, 1968.
The giving of notice as prescribed in section 3511 of this title shall be deemed a waiver of any lien on the animal for the treatment, board or care of the animal, but shall not relieve the owner of the animal of his contractual liability for the treatment, board or care furnished.
-- 1967, No. 240 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Feb. 8, 1968.
Any person having in his care, custody or control any abandoned animal as defined in section 3511 of this title may deliver the animal to any humane society or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or in the case of dogs, cats or other small animals to any pound maintained by or for any town within which the animal was abandoned, or he may sell the animal, the proceeds from the sale to be applied to the contractual liability incurred by the person placing the animal. If the person to whom the animal was abandoned is unable to sell the animal, it may be humanely euthanized by any veterinarian licensed to practice in Vermont.-- 1967, No. 240 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. Feb. 8, 1968.
(1) “Secretary” where no other department is referenced, means the secretary of the agency of agriculture, food and markets, and includes his or her designee.
(2) “Domestic animal” means those animals defined by 6 V.S.A. § 1151(2).
(3) “Domestic pet” or “pet” means any domestic dogs, domestic cats and ferrets. The term shall also include such other domestic animals as the secretary shall establish by rule, provided that the secretary finds that the animal has the potential to become an imminent danger to public health or welfare if not subjected to the provisions of this chapter.
(4) “Ferret” means only the European ferret (Mustela putorious furo).
(5) “Legislative body” means the legislative body of a town, city or incorporated village.
(6) “Owner” means any person who owns a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid and includes any person who has actual or constructive possession of the pet or wolf-hybrid. The term also includes those persons who provide feed or shelter to a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid.
(7) “Respondent” means a person alleged to have violated any provision of this chapter.
(8) “Wolf-hybrid” means an animal which is the progeny or descendant of a domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and a wolf (Canis lupus or Canis rufus). “Wolf-hybrid” also means an animal which is advertised, registered, licensed or otherwise described or represented as a wolf-hybrid by its owner or an animal which exhibits primary physical and behavioral wolf characteristics. The commissioner of the department of fish and wildlife shall adopt a rule describing primary physical and behavioral wolf characteristics.
(9) “Working farm dog” means a dog that is bred or trained to herd or protect livestock or poultry or to protect crops and that is used for those purposes and that is registered as a working farm dog pursuant to subsection 3581(a) of this title.
(10) “Pet dealer” means any person who sells or exchanges or who offers to sell or exchange cats, dogs, or wolf-hybrids, or any combination thereof, from three or more litters of cats, dogs, or wolf-hybrids in any 12-month period. This definition shall not apply to pet shops, animal shelters, or rescue organizations as those terms are defined in section 3901 of this title.
1993, Adj. Sess., No. 213, § 2; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2009, No. 48, § 7, eff. May 28, 2009; 2013, No. 30, § 1, eff. July 1, 2013.
It is not the intent of the General Assembly to require a person to be responsible under this chapter for a feral animal that takes up residence in a building other than the person's home, even if the person occasionally provides feed to the animal.
2013, No. 30, § 2, eff. July 1, 2013.
(b) A domestic pet or wolf-hybrid found wounding, killing or worrying another domestic pet or wolf-hybrid, a domestic animal or fowl may be killed when the attendant circumstances are such that the killing is reasonably necessary to prevent injury to the animal or fowl which is the subject of the attack.
(Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Feb. 28, 1980; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 15, 1994.)
1977, Adj. Sess., No. 215, § 2; 1993, Adj. Sess., No. 213, § 4; 2007, Adj. Sess., No. 121, § 15, eff. July 1, 2008.
Formerly: V.S. 1947, § 7629; P.L. 1933, § 8292; G.L. 1917, § 6742; 1910, No. 223; P.S. 1906, § 5651; 1902, No. 121, §§ 1, 3.
The provisions of subchapters 1, 2, 4 and 5 of this chapter shall apply to unorganized towns and gores, and the duties imposed upon municipal clerks by this chapter shall, in unorganized towns and gores, be performed by the supervisors thereof.
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. June 15, 1994.)
The legislative body of a city or town by ordinance may regulate the licensing, keeping, leashing, muzzling, restraint, impoundment, and destruction of domestic pets or wolf-hybrids and their running at large except that a legislative body of a city or town shall not prohibit or regulate the barking or running at large of a working farm dog when it is on the property being farmed by the person who registered the working farm dog, pursuant to subsection 3581(a) of this title, in the following circumstances:
(2) if the working farm dog is running at large in order to herd or protect livestock or poultry or to protect crops.
1967, Adj. Sess., No. 300, § 1; 1993, Adj. Sess., No. 213, § 6; 2007, Adj. Sess., No. 121, § 16, eff. July 1, 2008; 2009, No. 48, § 8, eff. May 28, 2009; 2013, Adj. Sess., No. 162, § 2, eff. July 1, 2014.
§ 3550. Enforcement; municipal legislative body; commissioner
(1) A civil penalty of up to $500.00.
(2) A brief description of the alleged violation and identification of the law alleged to have been violated.
(3) A statement that the respondent has a right to a hearing before the legislative body or a hearing officer designated by the Secretary at no cost to the respondent, a description of the procedures for requesting a hearing and a statement that failure to request a hearing within 21 days of the date of mailing of the notice shall result in a final decision with no right of appeal.
(f) A person who receives a notice of violation shall be offered an opportunity for a hearing before the legislative body or hearing officer, provided that the request for hearing is made in writing to the clerk of the municipality or the Secretary no later than 21 days after the date of mailing of the notice of violation. If the respondent does not request a hearing in a timely fashion, the decision shall be final and the penalty shall be payable within 35 days following mailing of the notice of violation. If the respondent does make a timely request for a hearing, the legislative body or hearing officer shall hold a hearing within 14 days of receipt of the request. After the hearing, the legislative body or hearing officer may affirm, reduce or eliminate the penalty. The decision shall be delivered or mailed to the respondent in the same manner as the notice of violation and shall be effective five days following mailing of the decision or immediately following delivery of the decision.
(i) A respondent aggrieved by a decision made following a hearing before the legislative body or hearing officer may appeal within 30 days of receipt of the decision to the superior court which shall consider the matter de novo.
(j) On application of a municipality or the Secretary, the Civil Division of the Superior Court shall have jurisdiction to enjoin the violation of any provision of this chapter. The Court may also authorize the seizure and disposition of domestic pets or wolf-hybrids when owners refuse to have the pets or wolf-hybrids inoculated or licensed, or when the Court determines that there is a threat to the public welfare.
1993, Adj. Sess., No. 213, § 7; 2013, No. 30, § 3, eff. July 1, 2013; 2015, No. 23, § 147, eff. July 1, 2015.
An officer who has attempted to seize a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid under sections 3546, 3549, 3624, 3745, 3806 or 3807 of this chapter and has not been permitted to search for or take the animal, may apply to a judicial officer authorized to issue search warrants for a warrant to search the properties of the owner of the animal or any other property if the officer has reasonable cause to believe that the animal may be on it. If the judicial officer is satisfied that there is a reasonable cause to believe that the animal is on a property, the judicial officer shall issue a search warrant authorizing a law enforcement officer of the state of Vermont to search the property and premises for the animal within a specified period of time not to exceed 10 days and to seize the animal. The warrant shall be served between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. unless the warrant directs that it may be served at any time. The judicial officer may, by appropriate provision in the warrant, and for reasonable cause shown, authorize its execution at other times. The warrant shall designate the court to which it shall be returned.
(Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. June 15, 1994.)
(a) A person who is the owner of a dog or wolf-hybrid more than six months old shall annually on or before April 1 cause it to be registered, numbered, described, and licensed on a form approved by the secretary for one year from that day in the office of the clerk of the municipality wherein the dog or wolf-hybrid is kept. A person who owns a working farm dog and who intends to use that dog on a farm pursuant to the exemptions in section 3549 of this title shall cause the working farm dog to be registered as a working farm dog and shall, in addition to all other fees required by this section, pay $5.00 for a working farm dog license. The owner of a dog or wolf-hybrid shall cause it to wear a collar, and attach thereto a license tag issued by the municipal clerk. Dog or wolf-hybrid owners shall pay for the license $4.00 for each neutered dog or wolf-hybrid, and $8.00 for each unneutered dog or wolf-hybrid. If the license fee for any dog or wolf-hybrid is not paid by April 1, its owner or keeper may thereafter procure a license for that license year by paying a fee of 50 percent in excess of that otherwise required.
(c)(1) A mandatory license fee surcharge of $4.00 per license shall be collected by each city, town, or village for the purpose of funding the dog, cat, and wolf-hybrid spaying and neutering program established in subchapter 6 of chapter 193 of this title.
(2) All dogs and wolf-hybrids over three months of age shall be vaccinated against rabies. The initial vaccination shall be valid for 12 months. Within 9 to 12 months of the initial vaccination, the animal must receive a booster vaccination.
(f) In addition to the license fees assessed in subsections (a) and (c) of this section and section 3583 of this title, municipal clerks shall assess a $1.00 fee for each license sold. The clerks shall forward the fees collected under this subsection to the state treasurer on or before the 15th day of May, September and January of each year, together with an accounting of the licenses sold. The funds collected under this subsection are to be used for rabies control programs. For this purpose, on or before the 30th days of May, September and January, the state treasurer shall disburse the funds collected under this subsection as follows:
(3) Ten percent to the secretary of the agency of agriculture, food and markets.
1965, No. 36, § 1; 1966, Sp. Sess., No. 62, § 1; 1977, Adj. Sess., No. 215, § 3; 1979, Adj. Sess., No. 92, § 3; 1989, Adj. Sess., No. 256, § 10(a); 1993, Adj. Sess., No. 213, § 9; 2001, No. 39, § 5; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2003, Adj. Sess., No. 163, §§ 37, 38; 2007, Adj. Sess., No. 153, § 13, eff. April 1, 2009; 2009, No. 48, § 9, eff. May 28, 2009; 2015, No. 57, § 31, eff. July 1, 2015.
Formerly: V.S. 1947, § 7600; P.L. 1933, § 8263; 1921, No. 209, § 1; 1919, No. 192, § 1; G.L. 1917, § 6715; 1912, No. 226, § 1; P.S. 1906, § 5623; 1900, No. 97, § 1; V.S. 1894, § 4821; 1894, No. 119, § 1; 1882, No. 12, § 1; R.L. 1880, § 4028; 1878, No. 108, §§ 1, 6; 1876, No. 16, § 1.
(e) The secretary of the agency of agriculture, food and markets and the department of health shall provide notices to veterinarians designed to help them to inform people about the provisions of this section regarding cats, wolf-hybrids and other domestic pets.
(Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. June 15, 1994; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003.)
A person who becomes the owner after April 1 of a dog or wolf-hybrid six months old which has not been licensed, or a person who owns, keeps or harbors a dog or wolf-hybrid in which becomes six months old after April 1 shall within 30 days apply for and obtain a license for the dog or wolf-hybrid the same manner as the annual license is obtained. If an application under this section is made after October 1, the fee for the license shall be one-half the amount otherwise required. If the license fee is not paid within 30 days, the owner may thereafter procure a license for that license year by paying a license fee of 50 percent in excess of that otherwise required.
(Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. Feb. 28, 1980; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. April 1, 1995.)
(Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. Feb. 28, 1980; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 12, eff. April 1, 1995.)
Without obtaining a Vermont license, a person may bring or cause to be brought into the state for a period not exceeding 90 days, one or more licensed dog or dogs bearing the identification of the owner, provided that the owner possesses a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian or a state official of any other state that the dog has received a rabies vaccination that is current for the 90 days following entry into the state.
(Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. Feb. 28, 1980.)
Municipal clerks shall issue licenses and receive the money therefor, and pay the same into the municipal treasury, within sixty days of the receipt thereof, retaining to their own use $2.00 for each license or permit, and shall return therewith a sworn statement of the amount of moneys thus received and paid over by them.
(Amended 1966, No. 62 (Sp. Sess.), § 3; 1971, No. 84, § 11; 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. April 12, 1978; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. June 15, 1994.)
Municipal clerks shall also keep a record of licenses issued by them, with the names of the owners or keepers of the dogs or wolf-hybrids licensed and the names, registered numbers and descriptions of such dogs or wolf-hybrids.
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. April 1, 1995.)
(b) On receiving a list of dogs and wolf-hybrids from persons authorized by the legislative body, the municipal clerk shall notify the owners or keepers of all dogs and wolf-hybrids named on the list that have not already been licensed or inoculated, and after May 30 shall furnish to the legislative body a list of dogs and wolf-hybrids not licensed or inoculated as required by law. Owners shall also be notified that unlicensed or uninoculated dogs or wolf-hybrids may be destroyed.
(Amended 1965, No. 36, § 3, eff. April 28, 1965; 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. Feb. 28, 1990; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. April 1, 1995.)
A license from a municipal clerk shall be valid in any part of the state and may be transferred with the dog or wolf-hybrid licensed, provided such license is recorded by the clerk of the municipality where such dog or wolf-hybrid is kept.
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 16, eff. April 1, 1995.)
Subchapter 2. Licenses
Formerly: V.S. 1947, § 7614; P.L. 1933, § 8277; G.L. 1917, § 6727; P.S. 1906, § 5636; V.S. 1894, § 4833; R.L. 1880, § 4039; 1878, No. 108, § 5.
Any officers, other than those employed under regular pay, shall receive compensation for each dog or wolf-hybrid so destroyed as authorized by the legislative body of their respective towns. Bills for any services shall be approved by the legislative body of the municipality in which the dogs or wolf-hybrids are destroyed, and paid from moneys received under the provisions of this subchapter.
(Amended 1977, No 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 12 eff. April 12, 1978; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 19, eff. April 1, 1995.)
(Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. April 12, 1978.)
Chapter 193. Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control
A pet dealer shall apply to the municipal clerk of the town or city in which the cats, dogs, or wolf-hybrids are kept for a pet dealer permit to be issued on forms prescribed by the Secretary and pay the clerk a fee of $25.00 for the same. A pet dealer who acquires a pet dealer permit shall allow inspections of the pet dealer's premises pursuant to section 3682 of this title as a condition of receiving and retaining the permit. The provisions of subchapters 1, 2, and 4 of this chapter not inconsistent with this subchapter shall apply to the pet dealer permit which shall be in addition to other permits required. A pet dealer permit shall expire on March 31 next after issuance and shall be displayed prominently on the premises on which the cats, dogs, or wolf-hybrids are kept. If the permit fee is not paid by April 1, the owner or keeper may thereafter procure a permit for that license year by paying a fee of 50 percent in excess of that otherwise required. Municipal clerks shall maintain a record of the type of animals being kept by the permit holder. Upon issuance of the pet dealer permit, the municipal clerk shall provide the pet dealer with a copy of Part 3 (Standards) of the Animal Welfare Regulations adopted by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets relating to cats, dogs, and wolf-hybrids. The municipal clerk shall also provide the pet dealer with contact information for the Animal Health Section within the Division of Food Safety and Consumer Protection of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and with information from the Department of Taxes on sales tax obligations for the sale of pets.
1971, No. 27, § 2; 1971, No. 84, § 12; 1977, Adj. Sess., No. 215, § 14; 1993, Adj. Sess., No. 213, § 20; 2013, No. 30, § 4, eff. July 1, 2013.
(d) The inspector shall record the results of each inspection in a log and sign and date each entry. The entries shall be submitted to the municipality, which shall maintain records of all pet dealer inspections. A copy of the inspection results shall be provided to the permit holder.
1971, No. 27, § 3; 1989, Adj. Sess., No. 256, § 10(a); 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2013, No. 30, § 5, eff. July 1, 2013.
In the event such officer, representative or agent and veterinarian shall find that domestic pets or wolf-hybrids are kept under unsanitary or inhumane conditions, that there is communicable disease among them, or that the condition of the domestic pets or wolf-hybrids is such as to jeopardize or endanger the health or safety of persons, they shall quarantine said premises by an order in writing delivered to the holder of the permit, which quarantine shall remain in effect until the conditions affording a basis for such quarantine order have been remedied.
(Amended 1971, No. 27, § 4, eff. March 24, 1971; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 21, eff. April 1, 1995.)
The person operating a kennel who is found to have neglected to remedy conditions specified in said quarantine order, other than the prevalence of contagious disease, within ten days after receiving notice of such order, or who sells, gives away or otherwise removes a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid under quarantine or affected with a contagious disease, shall be subject to the penalty provided in section 353(a)(1) of Title 13. Necessary fees and expenses of a veterinarian designated by such officer or agent shall be included in the bill of costs in a prosecution made hereunder and shall be taxed to the respondent.
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 22, eff. April 1, 1995.)
§ 3741. Election of remedy - § 3741. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
Former 20 V.S.A. § 3741, relating to election of remedies for damages by dogs, was derived from:
1876, No. 16, § 10.
R.L. 1880, § 4048.
V.S. 1894, § 4842.
P.S. 1906, § 5645.
G.L. 1917, § 6736.
P.L. 1933, § 8285.
V.S. 1947, § 7622.
§ 3742. Notice of damage; appraisal - § 3742. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
Former 20 V.S.A. § 3742, relating to notice of damage by dogs and appraisal, was derived from:
R.L. 1880, § 4043.
1888, No. 107, § 1.
V.S. 1894, § 4836.
P.S. 1906, § 5639.
G.L. 1917, § 6730.
1927, No. 125, § 1.
1933, No. 145, § 1.
P.L. 1933, § 8280.
V.S. 1947, § 7617.
§ 3743. Examination of certificate - § 3743. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
Former 20 V.S.A. § 3743, relating to examination of certificate for damages by dogs, was derived from:
R.L. 1880, § 4045.
V.S. 1894, § 4839.
P.S. 1906, § 5642.
G.L. 1917, § 6733.
1927, No. 125, § 3.
P.L. 1933, § 8283.
V.S. 1947, § 7620.
§ 3744. Fees and travel expenses - § 3744. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
Former 20 V.S.A. § 3744, relating to fees and travel expenses for damages by dogs, was derived from:
R.L. 1880, § 4044.
1888, No. 107, § 2.
V.S. 1894, § 4838.
P.S. 1906, § 5641.
G.L. 1917, § 6732.
1927, No. 125, § 2.
P.L. 1933, § 8282.
V.S. 1947, § 7619.
§ 3745. Identification and killing of dogs - § 3745. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
Former 20 V.S.A. § 3745, relating to identification and killing of dogs for damages, was derived from:
1888, No. 100, § 2.
V.S. 1894, § 4837.
R. 1906, § 5501.
P.S. 1906, § 5640.
1912, No. 227.
G.L. 1917, § 6731.
P.L. 1933, § 8281.
V.S. 1947, § 7618.
§ 3746. Action against town - § 3746. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
Former 20 V.S.A. § 3746, relating to action against town for damages by dogs, was derived from:
1894, No. 118.
V.S. 1894, § 4841.
P.S. 1906, § 5644.
G.L. 1917, § 6735.
1927, No. 125, § 4.
P.L. 1933, § 8284.
V.S. 1947, § 7621.
§ 3747. Action by town against owner of dogs - § 3747. Repealed by 2011, Adj, Sess., No. 155, § 4, eff. July 1, 2012
Former 20 V.S.A. § 3747, relating to action by town against owner of dogs for damages, was derived from:
1876, No. 16, § 12.
R.L. 1880, § 4049.
V.S. 1894, § 4843.
P.S. 1906, § 56.
G.L. 1917, § 6737.
P.L. 1933, § 8286.
V.S. 1947, § 7623.
§ 3748. Action by sheep owner against dog owner
If sheep are worried, wounded or killed by a dog, the owner or keeper of such dog, whether it is accustomed to worry, wound or kill sheep or not, shall pay to the owner of such sheep double the damages sustained, to be recovered in a civil action, with double costs. If the injury complained of is occasioned by two or more dogs acting jointly, belonging to different owners or keepers, the person injured may have a joint action against the different owners or keepers of such dogs, and recover joint damages and costs against all.
Formerly: V.S. 1947, § 7626; P.L. 1933, § 8289; G.L. 1917, § 6740; P.S. 1906, § 5649; V.S. 1894, § 4846; R.L. 1880, § 4051; G.S. 1862, 104, § 9; 1844, No. 23, § 2.
§ 3749. Bounty on dog killing or worrying sheep
Selectmen may offer a bounty of $5.00 for anyone killing a dog caught in the act of killing or worrying sheep.
Formerly: V.S. 1947, § 7627; P.L. 1933, § 8290; 1919, No. 192, § 5.
(a) In the event of an outbreak of rabies, the secretary of agriculture, food and markets, the commissioner of fish and wildlife and the commissioner of health shall work together to assist the affected towns. In addition to the responsibilities provided by this chapter, the agency of agriculture, food and markets shall generally be responsible for management of rabies in livestock, education of veterinarians and livestock owners concerning rabies and vaccination recommendations for livestock. The department of fish and wildlife shall generally be responsible for management of rabies in wildlife and the education of the sporting community, municipal officials and the general public about rabies in wildlife. The department of health shall generally be responsible for the prevention of rabies in humans, management of rabies in animals that may have exposed humans, and assisting with diagnosis of rabies in animals that may have exposed humans and supervision of health officials' education.
(c) The the agency of agriculture, food and markets, the department of health, and the department of fish and wildlife, may cooperate with other federal, state and local officials in controlling the spread of rabies within the state and within the region.
(Amended 1965, No. 36, § 4, eff. April 28, 1965; 1983, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 13, 1984; 1989, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, 1991; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 23, eff. June 15, 1994; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003.)
With the approval of the governor, a town, county or the entire state may be placed under quarantine for such time as may be considered necessary by the commissioner of health, or the secretary of agriculture, food and markets.
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 24, eff. June 15, 1994; 2003, No. 42, § 2.)
§ 3803. - Notice
When a quarantine is established as provided in section 3802 of this title notice of such quarantine shall be sent to the chair of selectboards, mayors, health officers and to the town clerk of each municipality in the quarantined area. Notice of such quarantine shall be printed in one or more newspapers circulating in the quarantined area.
Formerly: V.S. 1947, § 4895; P.L. 1933, § 5339; 1927, No. 110, § 3.
§§ 3804, 3805. Repealed
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 25, eff. June 15, 1994.)
§ 3807. -Killing a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid
(a) When the legislative body, a municipal officer designated by the legislative body, the commissioner of the department of fish and wildlife, the commissioner of the department of health or the secretary of the agency of agriculture, food and markets reasonably suspects that a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid impounded under section 3806 of this title has been exposed to rabies, has been attacked by a rabid animal or has been running at large in violation of any of the provisions of this subchapter the official shall order the domestic pet or wolf-hybrid to be killed. However, if the official finds that it is not reasonable to suspect that a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid impounded under section 3806 of this title is rabid or has been exposed to rabies, the official may deliver the domestic pet or wolf-hybrid to the owner. When it is impractical to confine or impound a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid pursuant to section 3806 of this title, or when the owner of a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid confined or impounded cannot be ascertained, the officials may immediately order the domestic pet or wolf-hybrid to be killed.
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 26, eff. June 15, 1994; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003.)
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. June 15, 1994.)
(Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 28, eff. June 15, 1994.)
In order to protect the public health, the legislative body of a municipality or a municipal officer designated by the legislative body may dispose of the carcass of any animal suspected of having been exposed to rabies through incineration. Disposal of animal carcasses in the manner provided by this section shall not be subject to the provisions of chapter 23 of Title 10 and the rules promulgated thereunder.
(Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 29, eff. June 15, 1994.)
(Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 30, eff. June 15, 1994.)
(c) Veterinarians shall provide an owner of a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid with a completed rabies vaccination form and tag for each animal which has been inoculated against rabies.
(Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 31, eff. June 15, 1994.)
(4) Pet owners who have limited economic resources have great difficulty affording the cost of professional spaying and neutering services.
(Added 2003, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 39.)
(c) The secretary of human services, in consultation with the chair of the Vermont Board of Veterinary Medicine, may adopt and amend rules pursuant to chapter 25 of Title 3 to enable the agency to carry out the purposes of this act.
2003, Adj. Sess., No. 163, § 39; 2009, No. 54, § 77, eff. June 1, 2009; 2011, No. 57, § 1, eff. July 1, 2011.
(d) The agency of human services shall use the revenue in the fund created in subsection (a) of this section for administering the dog, cat, and wolf-hybrid spaying and neutering program.
2003, Adj. Sess., No. 163, § 39; 2011, No. 3, § 86, eff. Feb. 17, 2011; 2011, No. 57, § 2, eff. July 1, 2011.
(1) “Adequate feed” means the provision at suitable intervals, not exceeding 24 hours, of a quantity of wholesome foodstuff suitable for the species and age, sufficient to maintain a reasonable level of nutrition in each animal. All foodstuff shall be served in a clean and sanitary manner.
(5) “Animal shelter” means a facility which is used to house or contain animals and is owned, operated, or maintained by a duly incorporated humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals.
(6) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets.
(7) “Pet dealer” means any person who sells or exchanges or who offers to sell or exchange cats, dogs, or wolf-hybrids, or any combination thereof, from three or more litters of cats, dogs, or wolf-hybrids in any 12-month period. This definition shall not apply to pet shops, animal shelters, or rescue organizations as those terms are defined in this section.
(8) “Euthanize” means to humanely destroy an animal by a method producing instantaneous unconsciousness and immediate death or by anesthesia produced by an agent which causes painless loss of consciousness and death during the loss of consciousness. “Euthanasia” means the humane destruction of animals in accordance with this subdivision.
(9) “Housing facility” means any room, building, or area used to contain a primary enclosure or enclosures.
(10) “Person” means any individual, partnership, firm, joint stock company, corporation, association, trust, estate, or other legal entity.
(11) “Pet shop” means a place of retail or wholesale business, including a flea market, that is not part of a private dwelling, where cats, dogs, wolf-hybrids, rabbits, rodents, birds, fish, reptiles, or other vertebrates are maintained or displayed for the purpose of sale or exchange to the general public.
(12) “Primary enclosure” means any structure used to immediately restrict an animal or animals, excluding household pets, to a limited amount of space, such as a room, pen, cage, compartment, or hutch.
(13) “Public auction” means any place or establishment where dogs or cats are sold at auction to the highest bidder whether individually, as a group, or by weight.
(14) “Fair” means any public or privately operated facility where animals are confined for the purpose of display or sale, or both, or for viewing.
(15) “Consumer” means an individual who purchases or receives an animal from any person permitted, licensed, or registered under this chapter. A permit holder, licensee, or registrant under this chapter is not a consumer.
(16) “Rescue organization” means any organization that accepts more than five animals in a calendar year for the purpose of finding adoptive homes for the animals.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 1993, No. 51 § 1; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2009, Adj. Sess., No. 158, § 10, eff. July 1, 2010; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013; 2015, Adj. Sess., No. 97, § 53, eff. July 1, 2016.
This chapter shall not apply to horses or livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, swine, and domestic fowl.
2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
No person may operate a fair as defined under section 3901 of this title unless a certificate of registration for the fair has been granted by the Secretary. Application for the certificate shall be made in a manner provided by the Secretary. No fee shall be required for the certificate. Certificates of registration shall be valid for a period of one year or until revoked and may be removed for like periods upon application in the manner provided.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
(a) Repealed by 2015, Adj. Sess., No. 149, § 28, eff. July 1, 2016.
(c) A rescue organization under this chapter shall be recognized and approved as a nonprofit organization under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).
1971, No. 27, § 5; 1997, Adj. Sess., No. 130, § 14; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2009, Adj. Sess., No. 158, § 11, eff. July 1, 2010; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013; 2015, Adj. Sess., No. 149, § 28, eff. July 1, 2016.
No person may operate a public auction as defined in this chapter after the expiration of six months following the effective date of this chapter unless a license to operate the auction has been granted by the Secretary. The license period shall be April 1 to March 31 and the license fee shall be $10.00 for each license period or part thereof.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 1975, Adj. Sess., No. 220, § 21; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 1975, Adj. Sess., No. 220, § 22; 1989, Adj. Sess., No. 257, § 21; 1993, No. 51, § 2; 2001, Adj. Sess., No. 143, § 44; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2003, No. 66, §§ 102a, 102d; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013; 2015, Adj. Sess., No. 149, § 29, eff. July 1, 2016.
Issuance of a certificate of registration may be denied to any animal shelter, rescue organization, or fair or a license may be denied to any public auction or pet shop or any certificate or license previously granted under this chapter may be revoked by the Secretary if, after public hearing, it is determined that the housing facilities or primary enclosures are inadequate for the purposes of this chapter or if the feeding, watering, sanitizing, and housing practices of the animal shelter, rescue organization, fair, public auction, or pet shop, as the case may be, are not consistent with this chapter or with rules adopted under this chapter.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 1993, No. 51, § 3; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2009, Adj. Sess., No. 158, § 12, eff. July 1, 2010; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
The Secretary may as he or she deems necessary adopt, amend, revise, and repeal rules consistent with this chapter for the purpose of carrying out its purposes. The rules may include provisions relating to humane transportation to and from registered or licensed premises, records of purchase and sale, identification of animals, primary enclosures, housing facilities, sanitation, euthanasia, ambient temperatures, feeding, watering, and adequate veterinary medical care, with respect to animals kept or cared for at premises licensed or registered under this chapter. The Secretary may at his or her discretion adopt in whole or in part those portions of the rules of the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets under Public Law 89-544, commonly known as the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act, [FN1] which are consistent with the purposes of this chapter.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2009, Adj. Sess., No. 158, § 13, eff. July 1, 2010; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013; 2017, No. 74, § 29, eff. July 1, 2017.
The board of directors of an incorporated humane society shall determine the method of disposition of animals released by it. Any proceeds derived from the sale of animals by the society shall be paid to the clerk or treasurer of the humane society, and no part of the proceeds shall accrue to any individual. Proceeds from the sale of animals by any person authorized by a municipality to dispose of such animals shall revert to the treasury of the municipality.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
This chapter shall not apply to any place or establishment operated as an animal hospital under the supervision of a duly licensed veterinarian in connection with the treatment, alleviation, or prevention of diseases.
(c) The Secretary may assess administrative penalties under 16 V.S.A. §§ 15-17, not to exceed $1,000.00, for violations of this chapter.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 1993, No. 51, § 4; 1997, Adj. Sess., No. 130, § 2; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2009, Adj. Sess., No. 158, § 14, eff. July 1, 2010; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
The Secretary or any officer of the Agency designated by the Secretary may file with the court in which a person was convicted of violating the preceding section a petition for custody of animals in the possession of the person convicted. If the court, on due notice to that person and to any other person owning or having any interest in the animals, finds that the welfare of any of the animals so requires, the court shall order the animals committed to the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. Animals committed to the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets may be sold or euthanized or kept in the custody of the Agency, as the Secretary determines.
1971, No. 27, § 5; 1989, Adj. Sess., No. 256, § 10(a); 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
(e) The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets has no responsibility to enforce any other statute relating to the abuse of narcotics or other regulated substance unless specifically authorized by such statute.
1993, Adj. Sess., No. 116, § 1; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
Fees collected under this subchapter shall be credited to a special fund and shall be available to the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets to offset the cost of providing the services.
1999, No. 49, § 131; 2003, No. 42, § 2; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
(b) The Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets may adopt rules regarding the issuance and contents of any certificate required under subsection (a) of this section.
2009, Adj. Sess., No. 158, § 15, eff. July 1, 2010; 2013, No. 30, § 6, eff. July 1, 2013.
(1) to return the cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid to the pet dealer or pet shop and receive a full refund of the purchase price, including sales tax and reasonable veterinary fees related to certification under this section. A veterinary finding of intestinal parasites is not grounds for declaring a cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid unfit, nor is an injury or illness sustained subsequent to the consumer taking possession of a cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid; or
(2) to return the cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid to the pet dealer or pet shop and receive an exchange cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid of the consumer's choice of equivalent value and reasonable veterinary costs related to certification under this subsection; or
(3) to retain the cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid and receive reimbursement from the pet dealer or pet shop for reasonable veterinary service for the purpose of curing or attempting to cure the cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid. In no case shall this service exceed the purchase price of the cat, dog or wolf-hybrid. Value of service is reasonable if it compares to similar service rendered by other veterinarians in the area, but in no case may it cover costs not directly related to the certification of unfitness.
(b) The Secretary shall prescribe a form for and the content of the certificate to be used under subsection (a) of this section. The form shall include an identification of the type of cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid, the owner, date and diagnosis, the treatment recommended, if any, and an estimated cost of the treatment. The form shall also include notice of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section.
(e) Refund or reimbursement required under subsection (a) of this section shall be made within ten business days following receipt of the signed veterinary certification. The certification shall be presented to the pet dealer or pet shop within three business days by the consumer.
A pet dealer or pet shop may contest a demand for reimbursement, refund, or exchange under section 3921 of this title by requiring the consumer to produce the cat, dog, or wolf-hybrid for examination by a licensed veterinarian of the pet dealer or pet shop's designation. If the consumer and the pet dealer or pet shop are unable to reach an agreement under the provisions of this section within ten business days of an examination, the consumer may initiate an action in a court of competent jurisdiction in the locality where the consumer resides to obtain a refund, exchange, or reimbursement. Nothing in this section shall limit the rights or remedies which are otherwise available to the consumer under any other law.
The Secretary may assess administrative penalties under 6 V.S.A. §§ 15-17 not to exceed $1,000.00 for violations of this subchapter.
Duly incorporated humane societies, rescue organizations, or animal shelters that make animals available for adoption are exempt from the requirements of this subchapter.
Chapter 199: SALE OF DOGS AND CATS. - §§4301 to 4304. Repealed by 2013, No. 30, § 7, eff. July 1, 2013
4301. Definitions - §§4301 to 4304. Repealed by 2013, No. 30, § 7, eff. July 1, 2013 See Chapter 194. Welfare of Animals 20 V.S.A. § 3901
§ 4302. Sale of an animal; restitution - §§4301 to 4304. Repealed by 2013, No. 30, § 7, eff. July 1, 2013 See Chapter 194. Welfare of Animals 20 V.S.A. § 3921
§ 4303. Challenge by pet dealer - §§4301 to 4304. Repealed by 2013, No. 30, § 7, eff. July 1, 2013 See Chapter 194. Welfare of Animals 20 V.S.A. § 3922
§ 4304. Administrative penalties - §§4301 to 4304. Repealed by 2013, No. 30, § 7, eff. July 1, 2013 See Chapter 194. Welfare of Animals 20 V.S.A. § 3923
(a) While accompanying the dog, a person may train a hunting dog to hunt and pursue:
(2) rabbits and game birds during the period from June 1 to the last Saturday in September and then only from sunrise to sunset;
(3) raccoon during the period from June 1 through any time of day or night on the day before the opening day of raccoon hunting season; and
(4) bobcat and fox during the period June 1 to March 15, except during regular deer season as prescribed in section 4741 of this title.
(b) The Commissioner may permit a person to train and condition a hunting dog between the second Monday in March and June 1. The Board may adopt rules as it considers necessary to control the training and conditioning of hunting dogs.
(c) A person training a hunting dog under this section may possess a handgun while training the hunting dog, provided that the person shall not take game by any method while training the hunting dog. As used in this section, “handgun” means a pistol or revolver which will expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.
1961, No. 119, § 1; 1965, No. 48; 1973, Adj. Sess., No. 178, § 6; 1977, Adj. Sess., No. 137; 1983, Adj. Sess., No. 158; 1991, Adj. Sess., No. 230, § 28; 2013, No. 78, § 19, eff. July 1, 2013; 2013, Adj. Sess., No. 116, § 15, eff. May 5, 2014.
The commissioner may issue permits to organized groups to hold field trials for hunting dogs. Persons seeking a permit shall submit an application to the commissioner as prescribed by the commissioner, and shall pay a fee of $50.00.
(Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1983, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 13, 1984; 1997, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 48, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.)
The commissioner may issue a license to any responsible person or field trial group to hold a field trial for retrieving dogs, or bird dogs, with game birds which have been propagated or legally acquired and released on the day of the trial on premises owned or controlled by the individual or group conducting the same, and shot for such purposes during daylight hours. Such trials shall be held under the supervision of the fish and wildlife department.
(Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1983, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), eff. April 13, 1984.)
The commissioner may issue permits which shall authorize a holder or authorized designee to take all of the birds released by the holder of the permit or designee on the day the trial is in progress. Persons seeking a permit shall submit an application to the commissioner as prescribed by the commissioner, and shall pay a fee of $50.00.
(Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1983, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 13, 1984; 1997, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 49, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.)
Any person who participates in a trial under the provisions of sections 5002-5004 of this title shall not be required to have a hunting license.
(Added 1961, No. 119, § 1, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1983, No. 157 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 13, 1984.)
(Added 1989, No. 184 (Adj. Sess.); amended 1997, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 50, eff. Jan. 1, 1999.)
TITLE TEN. Conservation and Development.
CHAPTER 113. Game. SUBCHAPTER 2. Deer
(b) A state game warden, deputy warden, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer or state police may kill by shooting with firearms, dogs, whether licensed or unlicensed, when in such close pursuit as to endanger the life of a deer or moose or found in the act of wounding, maiming or killing deer or moose. Provisions of this section shall be subject to limitations set forth in section 4710 of this title. A warden or other person authorized under this subsection who does not kill a dog under the provisions of this subsection shall if possible, locate the owner or keeper of the dog and shall issue a warning that the dog was in violation of this section and each future violation shall result in the owner or keeper being fined not more than $200.00 nor less than $50.00.
(c) When a licensed dog is killed pursuant to subsection (b) above, the game warden, deputy game warden, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer or state police shall forthwith report the same to the owner of said licensed dog.
(d) No person shall have a cause of action against any of the designated wardens, sheriff, deputy sheriff, constable, police officer or state police exercising the authority herein granted.
1961, No. 119, § 1; 1969, Adj. Sess., No. 163; 1977, Adj. Sess., No. 132; 1979, Adj. Sess., No. 163; 1981, No. 63; 1995, No. 1, § 1.