The Selectboard will be reviewing possible changes to the dog and pet ordinance because of changes recommended by Animal Control Officer Jason Fleury earlier this month.

Officer Fleury said that “after reviewing the ordinance” he has identified a “couple of items to change,” including, in section two, not allowing any dogs to run at large, off the owner’s property, but be restrained “at all times.” He said that currently a dog “can be off leash” as long as it is under control.

He also asked that the current penalties identified, $15 for first offense, $50 for second offense, and $100 for third offense, be removed and use the fees set by the humane society, which is where the dogs are impounded.

Officer Fleury told the board that the collection of cats is “not in the contract,” and that, if the board wanted to include it in his duties, there would need to be a change to the contract. He said that residents can bring stray cats “to the shelter on their own,” and that the Humane Society “rents a heart traps” that can be used for capturing feral cats. He said that he has received “six to seven calls regarding cats from Williamstown.” He said that any calls regarding large domestic animals he would contact and work with the agency of agriculture, as they regulate large domestic animals.

Resident Art Day brought up an issue regarding contacting the officer on the weekends. He said that the ordinance requires that all reports of an animal bite

must be filed within 24 hours of any such incident…” He said that his dog was attacked by another dog and that he has a vet bill of about $368. He said that it was unclear how to report an incident within 24 hours on the weekend and that he called on the Monday morning after the incident, “complying as best I could” with the ordinance. He asked who was responsible for the veterinarian bills.

Officer Fleury said that “vet bills are a civil issue” and that he

didn’t issue a ticket” to either animal, as he was “given two different stories.” He said it was unclear as to whether or not both dogs were at large without leashes or under any tight control.

In other matters before the board, Manager Garett Earls told the board that the new furnace for the fire station has been delivered and expects it to be installed within the next week or two.