reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3549. Domestic pets or wolf-hybrids; regulation by towns

§ 3549. Domestic pets or wolf-hybrids; regulation by towns
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:
(1) if the working farm dog is barking in order to herd or protect livestock or poultry or to protect crops; or
(2) if the working farm dog is running at large in order to herd or protect livestock or poultry or to protect crops. (Added 1967, No. 300 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. March 20, 1968; amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. June 15, 1994; 2007, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 16; 2009, No. 48, § 8, eff. May 28, 2009; 2013, No. 162 (Adj. Sess.), § 2.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3551. Search warrants

§ 3551. Search warrants
An officer who has attempted to seize a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid under section 3546, 3549, 3624, 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; amended 2021, No. 105 (Adj. Sess.), § 403, eff. July 1, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3581a. Immunization

§ 3581a. Immunization
(a) An owner of a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid shall have that animal inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with section 3581 of this title, if applicable, and with rules adopted by the Secretary.
(b) No rabies vaccine may be used for domestic pets unless it is first approved by the Secretary.
(c) Until the Secretary approves a rabies vaccine for use on wolf-hybrids, these animals shall be vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the Secretary for domestic dogs and a veterinarian inoculating a wolf-hybrid in accordance with this section shall not be liable for the failure of the rabies vaccine to protect the animal from rabies nor for any adverse reaction that may be attributable to the vaccination.
(d) A person may use an approved vaccine to inoculate a feral feline that takes up residence in a building other than the person’s home and need not use the services of a licensed veterinarian for this purpose.
(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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3582. Dogs or wolf-hybrids obtained after April 1

§ 3582. Dogs or wolf-hybrids obtained after April 1
A person who becomes the owner after April 1 of a dog or wolf-hybrid six months old or older that has not been licensed, or a person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog or wolf-hybrid that becomes six months old after April 1, shall within 30 days apply for and obtain a license for the dog or wolf-hybrid in 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; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 125.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3583. Domestic pets and wolf-hybrids kept for breeding purposes

§ 3583. Domestic pets and wolf-hybrids kept for breeding purposes
(a) The owner or keeper of domestic pets and wolf-hybrids kept for breeding purposes may take out annually, on or before April 1, a special license for the domestic pets or wolf-hybrids, provided:
(1) He or she keeps the domestic pets or wolf-hybrids within a proper enclosure. A proper enclosure is a locked fence or structure of sufficient height and sufficient depth into the ground to prevent the entry of young children and to prevent the animal from escaping. A proper enclosure also provides humane shelter for the animal.
(2) The domestic pets or wolf-hybrids at all times have a current vaccination against rabies.
(3) When the number of domestic pets or wolf-hybrids so kept does not exceed ten, the fee shall be $30.00 and for each additional domestic pet or wolf-hybrid so kept, an annual fee of $3.00.
(b) Domestic pets and wolf-hybrids covered by the special license pursuant to this section shall be exempt from other license fees, and all licenses under this section are exempt from the surcharge enacted under subsection (c) of section 3581 of this title.
(c) If the license fee is not paid by April 1, the 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. These license fees are in addition to any fees required for the operation of a kennel under subchapter 3 of this chapter. (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; 2021, No. 20, § 200.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3587. Dogs brought into State

§ 3587. Dogs brought into State
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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3588. Issuance of licenses; record of licenses

§ 3588. Issuance of licenses; record of licenses
Municipal clerks shall issue licenses and receive the money for the license, and pay the amount received into the municipal treasury within 60 days of receipt, retaining to their own use $2.00 for each license or permit, and shall include with the amount deposited into the municipal treasury a sworn statement of the amount received and paid over by them pursuant to this section. (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; 2021, No. 20, § 201.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3589. Record of licenses

§ 3589. Record of licenses
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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3590. List of dogs and wolf-hybrids not licensed

§ 3590. List of dogs and wolf-hybrids not licensed
(a) The legislative body shall annually designate one or more persons to maintain a list of unlicensed, inoculated, and licensed dogs and wolf-hybrids owned or kept in their municipality and to submit the list to the municipal clerk.
(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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3591. Transfer of license

§ 3591. Transfer of license
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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3621. Issuance of warrant to impound; complaint

§ 3621. Issuance of warrant to impound; complaint
(a)(1) The legislative body of a municipality may at any time issue a warrant to one or more police officers, constables, pound keepers, or appointed animal control officers, directing them to promptly impound all dogs or wolf-hybrids within the town or city not licensed according to the provisions of this subchapter, except as exempted by section 3587 of this title, and to enter a complaint against the owners or keepers of the impounded dogs and wolf-hybrids.
(2) A dog or wolf-hybrid impounded by a municipality under this section may be transferred to an animal shelter or rescue organization for the purpose of finding an adoptive home for the dog or wolf-hybrid. If the dog or wolf-hybrid cannot be placed in an adoptive home or transferred to a humane society or rescue organization within ten days, or a greater number of days established by the municipality, the dog or wolf-hybrid may be destroyed in a humane way. The municipality shall not be liable for expenses associated with keeping the dog or wolf-hybrid at the animal shelter or rescue organization beyond the established number of days.
(b) A municipality may waive the license fee for a dog or wolf-hybrid impounded pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for the current year upon a showing of current vaccinations and financial hardship. In the event of waiver due to financial hardship, the State shall not receive its portion of a dog license fee. (Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Feb 28, 1980; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. April 1, 1995; 2009, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2013, No. 162 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2021, No. 20, § 202.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3623. Constable to make complaints

§ 3623. Constable to make complaints
A constable to whom a warrant has been issued pursuant to section 3621 of this subchapter shall make complaints required by the warrant to the designee of the legislative body of the municipality. (Amended 2017, No. 93 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 2021, No. 20, § 204.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3624. Who may destroy; fees

§ 3624. Who may destroy; fees
(a) A police officer or constable shall humanely destroy or cause to be destroyed dogs or wolf-hybrids whenever a warrant has been issued authorizing such actions, except as exempted by section 3587 of this title. Any action must be taken within 90 days of the issuance of the warrant. The officer shall incinerate, bury, or cause to be buried or otherwise properly dispose of their remains.
(b) 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 monies 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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3625. Return by officers

§ 3625. Return by officers
Each police officer or constable to whom a warrant is issued pursuant to section 3621 of this subchapter shall make the return directed by the warrant to the authority issuing the warrant within 90 days from its date. (Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. April 12, 1978; 2021, No. 20, § 205.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3626. Certificate to State’s Attorney

§ 3626. Certificate to State’s Attorney
The selectboard or mayor shall annually, within ten days from July 25, transmit a certificate, subscribed and sworn to, of the fact of the issue of such warrant, and whether the same has been duly executed and returned agreeably to the provisions of this chapter, to the State’s Attorneys of their respective counties, who shall prosecute town officers who fail to comply with the provisions of this subchapter.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3681. Pet dealer permit

§ 3681. Pet dealer permit
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 permit. 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 in 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 Rules 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. (Amended 1971, No. 27, § 2, eff. March 24, 1971; 1971, No. 84, § 12; 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. April 12, 1978; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 20, eff. April 1, 1995; 2013, No. 30, § 4; 2021, No. 20, § 206.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3682. Inspection of premises

§ 3682. Inspection of premises
(a) The pet dealer’s premises may be inspected upon the issuance of the pet dealer permit or at any time the pet dealer permit is in effect. Inspections may be conducted by a municipal animal control officer, a law enforcement officer as that term is defined in 23 V.S.A. § 4(11), or a representative of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The inspector may, at his or her discretion and with the approval of the municipality, be accompanied by a veterinarian or an officer or agent of a humane society incorporated in Vermont. This section shall not create an obligation on the part of any municipal legislative body to conduct inspections.
(b) Inspections shall be scheduled in advance with the pet dealer or pet dealer’s agent. Inspections shall be conducted to facilitate compliance with the applicable standards in Part 3 (Standards) of the Animal Welfare Rules adopted by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets relating to cats, dogs, and wolf-hybrids. The person or persons authorized to inspect the pet dealer’s premises shall be accompanied by the pet dealer or pet dealer’s agent. If the pet dealer’s premises are also used for human habitation, the inspection may occur only in those areas of the premises used for animal housing, animal care, birthing, and storage of food and bedding. Photographs or videos of the pet dealer’s premises or property shall not be taken during an inspection and while on the pet dealer’s premises without the written consent of the permit holder. Repeated failure to consent to an inspection may result in a revocation of the pet dealer permit.
(c) If an inspector, during the course of an inspection under this section, has reason to believe that a criminal animal welfare violation exists on the pet dealer’s premises, nothing in this chapter shall preclude a criminal investigation into the suspected violation or shall preclude seeking the remedies available under 13 V.S.A. chapter 8. Assessment of an administrative penalty under this chapter shall not prevent assessment of a criminal penalty under 13 V.S.A. chapter 8.
(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. (Amended 1971, No. 27, § 3, eff. March 24, 1971; 1989, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, 1991; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2013, No. 30, § 5; 2021, No. 20, § 207.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3683. Quarantine of premises

§ 3683. Quarantine of premises
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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3684. Offenses; bill of costs in prosecution

§ 3684. Offenses; bill of costs in prosecution
The person operating a kennel who is found to have neglected to remedy conditions specified in a quarantine order issued pursuant to section 3683 of this subchapter, other than the prevalence of contagious disease, within ten days after receiving notice of the 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 13 V.S.A. § 353(a)(1). Necessary fees and expenses of a veterinarian designated by the officer or agent shall be included in the bill of costs in a prosecution made pursuant to this section and shall be taxed to the respondent. (Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 22, eff. April 1, 1995; 2021, No. 20, § 208.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3748. Action by sheep owner against dog owner

§ 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.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3801. Rabies control authority

§ 3801. Rabies control authority
(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.
(b) In addition to any other applicable authority, the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, the Department of Health, and the Department of Fish and Wildlife may, individually or jointly, adopt rules to control the spread of rabies within a specific region or within the State as a whole. The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets is authorized to adopt rules necessary to control the spread of rabies in domestic animals, domestic pets, and wolf-hybrids, including mandating the vaccination of specific species of animals, the conditions under which rabies inoculation clinics may be operated, and establishing quarantines for domestic animals. The Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife is authorized to adopt rules necessary to control the spread of rabies in wildlife, including mandating the vaccination of specific species of wild animals, translocation of wild animals, and the destruction of wild animals through the use of registered pesticides, trapping, or other means as may be necessary. The Commissioner of Health is authorized to adopt rules requiring the reporting of incidents of animals biting humans; the confinement, quarantine, observation, and disposition of animals that are suspected of exposing humans to rabies; and the disposition of animals bitten by animals suspected of carrying rabies and other rules as necessary to protect the general public from rabies.
(c) 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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3802. Quarantine

§ 3802. Quarantine
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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3803. Notice

§ 3803. Notice
When a quarantine is established as provided in section 3802 of this title, notice of such quarantine shall be sent to the selectboard chairs, 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.
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3806. Confining or impounding a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid

§ 3806. Confining or impounding a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid
(a) Any person authorized to enforce State livestock disease control, health, wildlife, or criminal laws and any person authorized to enforce local ordinances may confine or impound any domestic pet or wolf-hybrid when:
(1) It is suspected of having been exposed to rabies.
(2) It is believed to have been attacked by another animal that may be rabid.
(3) It has been attacked by a wild animal.
(4) It has been running at large in violation of any of the provisions of this subchapter.
(5) It has an unknown rabies vaccination history.
(b) In the event that a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid is confined or impounded under this section, the owner, if known, shall be notified within 24 hours. Notification may be accomplished by in-person communication, by telephone call, or by written statement sent to the last known address of the owner. If the owner’s address is not known, notification may be posted in the municipal clerk’s office and other usual places for public notice for a one-week period.
(c) Any domestic pet or wolf-hybrid that is considered a rabies suspect shall be managed in accordance with the rules of the Department of Health. Rules adopted by the Department of Health in accordance with this chapter shall provide for management of domestic pets or wolf-hybrids for whom there is no approved rabies vaccine. (Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 25, eff. June 15, 1994.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3807. Killing a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid

§ 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.
(b) In the event that a domestic pet is suspected of exposing a human, pet, wolf-hybrid, or domestic animal to rabies, it shall be managed in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and the rules of the Department of Health.
(c) Since there is no approved preexposure rabies vaccine for wolf-hybrids, until the Commissioner finds and approves a rabies vaccine, any wolf-hybrid that bites or otherwise exposes a human, pet, or domestic animal to rabies shall immediately be destroyed and its head shall be sent to the State Department of Health for the purpose of testing its brain tissue for the presence of the disease. If an alternative means of testing is provided by rule of the Department of Health, that procedure may be substituted for the procedure described in this subsection. The legislative body of the municipality or a municipal officer designated by the legislative body shall be responsible for ensuring the provisions of this subsection are carried out. (Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 26, eff. June 15, 1994; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3808. Fees for killing domestic pets or wolf-hybrids

§ 3808. Fees for killing domestic pets or wolf-hybrids
Officers shall be entitled to the same fees for killing domestic pets or wolf-hybrids under the provisions of this subchapter as are provided in section 3624 of this title. The owner of an impounded domestic pet or wolf-hybrid or the town, in case the owner of the domestic pet or wolf-hybrid cannot be identified, shall be liable for all such fees. (Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 27, eff. June 15, 1994.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3809. Killing a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid that attacks a person or domestic animal

§ 3809. Killing a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid that attacks a person or domestic animal
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed as preventing any person from killing a suspected rabid domestic pet or wolf-hybrid that attacks a person, another domestic pet or wolf-hybrid, or domestic animal. A person so killing such domestic pet or wolf-hybrid shall not be held liable for damages for such killing. (Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 28, eff. June 15, 1994.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3811. Carcass disposal

§ 3811. Carcass disposal
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 10 V.S.A. chapter 23 and the rules adopted pursuant to that chapter. (Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 29, eff. June 15, 1994; amended 2021, No. 20, § 209.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3812. Immunity from liability for volunteers

§ 3812. Immunity from liability for volunteers
Any person who as a volunteer conducts or assists at a nonprofit public clinic for inoculating domestic pets, wolf-hybrids, and domestic animals against rabies shall not be liable to any other person for injuries resulting from the loss of animals, animal bites, and from the inoculation process. (Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 30, eff. June 15, 1994.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3813. Vaccination administration

§ 3813. Vaccination administration
(a) The Commissioner may purchase rabies vaccine for distribution at reduced cost to the public through rabies clinics.
(b) The Commissioner shall ensure that reduced cost rabies clinics take place in all geographic areas of the State and shall cooperate with the veterinary profession to make certain that all owners of domestic pets and wolf-hybrids have access to reasonably priced rabies vaccines.
(c) Veterinarians shall provide an owner of a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid with a completed rabies vaccination form and tag for each animal that has been inoculated against rabies. (Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 31, eff. June 15, 1994.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3814. Findings

§ 3814. Findings
The General Assembly finds:
(1) The supply of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids in Vermont is a major concern.
(2) There are insufficient resources in this State to care for or provide homes for these animals.
(3) Many of these animals are ultimately euthanized or become victims of accidents, starvation, or disease.
(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.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3815. Dog, cat, and wolf-hybrid spaying and neutering program

§ 3815. Dog, cat, and wolf-hybrid spaying and neutering program
(a) The Agency of Human Services shall administer a dog, cat, and wolf-hybrid spaying and neutering program providing reduced-cost spaying and neutering services and presurgical immunization for dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids owned or cared for by individuals with low income. The Agency shall implement the program through an agreement with a qualified organization consistent with the applicable administrative rules.
(b) The program shall reimburse veterinarians who voluntarily consent to spay or neuter dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids under the auspices of the program. The reimbursement shall be less any co-payment by the owner of a dog, cat, or wolf-hybrid for the cost of each spaying or neutering procedure.
(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 3 V.S.A. chapter 25 to enable the Agency to carry out the purposes of this subchapter. (Added 2003, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 39; amended 2009, No. 54, § 77, eff. June 1, 2009; 2011, No. 57, § 1; 2021, No. 20, § 210.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 193 - Domestic Pet or Wolf-Hybrid Control › § 3816. Animal Spaying And Neutering Fund; creation

§ 3816. Animal Spaying And Neutering Fund; creation
(a) There is created, pursuant to 32 V.S.A. chapter 7, subchapter 5, in the Agency of Human Services the Dog, Cat, and Wolf-Hybrid Spaying and Neutering Special Fund to finance the costs of the dog, cat, and wolf-hybrid spaying and neutering program established in section 3815 of this title.
(b) Revenue for the Fund shall be derived from:
(1) the surcharge payment paid to a municipality pursuant to subdivision 3581(c)(1) of this title;
(2) gifts from private donors; and
(3) any appropriation that the General Assembly makes to the Fund.
(c) Interest earned on the Fund shall be retained in the Fund.
(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. (Added 2003, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), § 39; amended 2011, No. 3, § 86, eff. Feb. 17, 2011; 2011, No. 57, § 2; 2021, No. 105 (Adj. Sess.), § 404, eff. July 1, 2022.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3902. Registration of fairs

§ 3902. Registration of fairs
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. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3903. Animal shelters and rescue organizations

§ 3903. Animal shelters and rescue organizations
(a) [Repealed.]
(b) Animal intake. An animal shelter or rescue organization as defined by section 3901 of this title shall make every effort to collect the following information about an animal it accepts: the name and address of the person transferring the animal and, if known, the name of the animal; its vaccination history; and other information concerning the background, temperament, and health of the animal.
(c) Nonprofit status. A rescue organization under this chapter shall be recognized and approved as a nonprofit organization under 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3).
(d) Immunity from liability. Notwithstanding section 3901a of this title, any animal shelter or rescue organization assisting law enforcement in an animal cruelty investigation or seizure that, in good faith, provides care and treatment to an animal involved in the investigation or seizure shall not be held liable for civil damages by the owner of the animal unless the actions of the shelter or organization constitute gross negligence. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 1997, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2009, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 11; 2013, No. 30, § 6; 2015, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 28; 2018, No. 8 (Sp. Sess.), § 15, eff. June 28, 2018.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3905. Public auctions

§ 3905. Public auctions
No person may operate a public auction as defined in this chapter after September 24, 1971 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. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 1975, No. 220 (Adj. Sess.), § 21; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3906. Licensing of pet shops

§ 3906. Licensing of pet shops
(a) No person may transact business as a pet shop, as defined in this chapter, unless a license for that purpose has been granted by the Secretary to that person. Application for the license shall be made in the manner provided by the Secretary. The license period shall be April 1 to March 31 and the license fee shall be $175.00 for each license period or part thereof.
(b) [Repealed.] (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 1975, No. 220 (Adj. Sess.), § 22; 1989, No. 257 (Adj. Sess.), § 21; 1993, No. 51, § 2; 2001, No. 143 (Adj. Sess.), § 44; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2003, No. 66, §§ 102a, 102d; 2013, No. 30, § 6; 2015, No. 149 (Adj. Sess.), § 29.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3907. Denial or revocation of registration or license

§ 3907. Denial or revocation of registration or license
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. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 1993, No. 51, § 3; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2009, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 12; 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3908. Adoption of rules

§ 3908. Adoption of rules
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 Animal Welfare Act, that are consistent with the purposes of this chapter. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2009, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 2013, No. 30, § 6; 2017, No. 74, § 29.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3909. Sale of animals by humane society

§ 3909. Sale of animals by humane society
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. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3910. Exceptions

§ 3910. Exceptions
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. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3911. Penalties

§ 3911. Penalties
(a) Any person licensed or registered under this chapter who fails to provide animals under the person’s care or custody with adequate food or adequate water, as defined in section 3901 of this title, or who fails to house animals in the person’s care or custody in a manner that is adequate for their welfare, shall be fined not more than $500.00.
(b) Any person who operates a fair or public auction or who transacts business as a pet shop, animal shelter, or rescue organization without being duly licensed or without possessing a proper certificate of registration, as the case may be, as required under this chapter, or who violates any provision of this chapter or of any rule lawfully adopted under its authority for which no other penalty is provided shall be fined not more than $300.00 or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.
(c) The Secretary may assess administrative penalties under 6 V.S.A. §§ 15-17, not to exceed $1,000.00, for violations of this chapter. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 1993, No. 51, § 4; 1997, No. 130 (Adj. Sess.), § 2; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2009, No. 158 (Adj. Sess.), § 14; 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3912. Commitment of animals to Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets

§ 3912. Commitment of animals to Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets
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 section 3911 of this chapter 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. (Added 1971, No. 27, § 5, eff. March 24, 1971; amended 1989, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 10(a), eff. Jan. 1, 1991; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3913. Euthanasia certification

§ 3913. Euthanasia certification
(a) The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets shall establish rules for a euthanasia training program and certification process for persons completing the program.
(b) The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets shall establish rules for the possession and use of euthanasia solutions by registered animal shelters that utilize certified euthanasia technicians. The rules shall identify euthanasia solutions that may be used, techniques for the proper handling and storage of solutions and requirements for recordkeeping, and address any other matter deemed necessary by the Secretary.
(c) The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets may revoke or suspend certification upon violation of the rules adopted under this section.
(d) The rules shall comply with all applicable federal drug enforcement standards.
(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. (Added 1993, No. 116 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. March 23, 1994; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2013, No. 30, § 6.)
2023 Vermont Statutes › Title 20 - Internal Security and Public Safety › Chapter 194 - Welfare of Animals; Sale of Animals › § 3914. Special funds

§ 3914. Special funds
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. (Added 1999, No. 49, § 131; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2013, No. 30, § 6.)