Animal Licensing and Animal Control FAQ

LICENSE REQUIRED

It is unlawful for any person to own, keep or have control of a dog or cat over the age of six months whether confined or not in the town without having a current license tag.  All dogs must have a current license tag attached to the collar which is worn by the animal (EMC 6.40.070).

NUMBER OF ANIMALS

No more than three dogs and/or cats may be individually licensed by a residence (EMC 6.20.170).

ANIMALS AT LARGE

“At Large” means off the premises of the animal’s owner or keeper, and not under restraint by leash or chain or not otherwise controlled by a competent person (EMC 6.20.060).

BARKING

It is unlawful for a pet owner to keep a dog or cat that disturbs the neighborhood by frequent or habitual howling, yelps, whines, barks or makes other oral noises (EMC 6.30.220).

ANIMALS IN HEAT

Every female dog or cat in heat shall be confined in a building or secure enclosure in such a manner that the female dog or cat cannot come into contact with another animal except for planned breeding (EMC 6.30.030).

DANGEROUS AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS

A dog with a record or known propensity, tendency or disposition to attach without provocation, to cause injury to or otherwise endanger the safety of humans or other domestic animals or any dog which attacks a human being or other domestic animal without provocation (EMC 6.30.230, EMC 6.30.240).

CRUELTY

It shall be unlawful for any person to deprive any animal of necessary sustenance or cruelly beat, torment torture or cause any animal to suffer inhumanely, or to kill any animal in an inhumane manner.  Any person violating this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to the general penalty ordinance of the town (EMC 6.30.080).