OFFICE OF THE SELECTBOARD
TOWN OF HALIFAX, VERMONT
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
October 14, 2025
5:30 PM AT THE HALIFAX TOWN OFFICE
CALL TO ORDER
Edee Edwards called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. Other Selectboard members present were Karen Christofferson, Rhonda Ashcraft, Randy Pike and Lori Marchegiani. Members of the public present were Kim Lehner, Chris Lehner, Roger Rushworth, Cassie McLaren, Travis Stone, Dennis Annear, Mike Gabriel, Kim Isaacson, Wade Ryan, Amanda Ryan, Jennie Crocker, Steph Pike, Diane Longe, Dan Longe, Katelyn Longe, Vicki Stone, Jessica Cooney, Scott Ashcraft, Nancy McCrea, Linda Lyon, Linda Huebner, Cara Cheyette, Jason Ashcroft, Kathy Ashcroft, Sam Adams, Jeff Longe, Mary Brewster, Andrea Rand, Karen Larkin, Liz Moore, and Kaitlin Stone.
CHANGES AND ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA
There are no changes to be made to the agenda.
NEW BUSINESS
Dog Ordinance- First Review
- Running at large and Potentially vicious dogs
- Nuisance Barking
Edwards stated the format of the meeting was to spend 45 minutes reading the ordinance, and then 25 minutes with hearing of visitors, and then discuss next steps.
Edwards gave a brief recounting of the history of how we got to this point. The Town of Halifax adopted a dog ordinance in 1998, which was repealed on June 21, 2016 with minutes stating an intention to create a legally sound replacement. Edwards noted a few incidents in the past few years that were recorded in selectboard minutes. In response to these recurring issues, a special meeting was held in March 2025 directly following Town Meeting, that broached drafting a new ordinance. The attendees heard and responded to elements from the VLCT(Vermont League of Cities and Town) model ordinance. The intention is to tailor it to the specific needs and circumstances of Halifax.
Edwards stated that after attending training in June she learned that by starting the process now, if the citizens signed a legal voter petition NOT to adopt the ordinance, this vote could be done at Town Meeting, rather than requiring a special meeting with additional expense.
The Town of Halifax established the Committee for Animal Control to use the VLCT model ordinance to draft a version of an ordinance for dogs that the Selectboard could then review. The committee met 7 times in open meetings. Their first meetings focused on distributing a survey for additional public input. Approximately 600 postcards were mailed using a grand list. Over 200 responses were received. SurveyMonkey, an online tool with a free version tracked submissions by computer IP addresses. Edwards apologized that this meant only one online submission per household computer or phone. Additional paper surveys were available at the town office as noted on the postcards, but some attendees of this meeting said they did not understand that, or in one case that they did not receive a postcard..
Based on community feedback and issue analysis, the committee drafted two separate ordinances to address distinct concerns: Nuisance barking was separated from running at large and potentially vicious dogs. However, in starting the review Edwards stated her belief that keeping a single dog ordinance would improve clarity for dog owners.
The board reviewed the title and the first two sections of the running-at-large and vicious dog ordinance. The first section states the legal authority of the town to adopt a dog ordinance. The second is purpose.
The proposed language in the short purpose statement eliminated the VLCT language describing penalties, which are detailed in Section 6, enforcement. Edwards argued that this change does not describe something that could be enforced with an action.
At this point in the meeting, audience questions led by Jason Ashcroft shifted the discussion not to reading the ordinance through, but to defending the process to date, and better justifying the need for an ordinance.
Edwards noted that the survey conducted by the Committee for Animal Control revealed that one-third of respondents felt a “leash law” was needed and 1/3 felt excessive barking was a concern. Two thirds said potentially vicious dog behavior should be regulated. Edwards noted the committee’s discussion that sometimes you need to protect the minority for their reasonable freedoms—such as freedom from fear from dog attacks or harassment in walking our public roads.
“Leash law” was discussed as being a poor survey question phrasing, as dogs “running-at-large” can be contained by fences or kept in voice control. Audience members raised concerns about the validity of the survey again, but it was never expected to do more than gauge opinions.
Jason Ashcroft pressed for specific numbers of incidents in Halifax, and asked how many other towns have ordinances. Edwards noted we do not have a comprehensive list.She stated that the neighboring town of Whitingham has a dog ordinance and she read their minutes for a vicious dog hearing held recently. In the absence of an ordinance, Halifax’s Animal Control Officer has no legal authority to get involved in the vast majority of complaints involving dogs. With an ordinance in place, however, the officer would be empowered to issue a warnings, fines, or further enforcement actions, according to the new ordinance
If the board chooses not to proceed with the ordinance, state laws protect people only if they have actually been bitten by a dog under certain circumstances. The town would in these circumstances be authorized to put a dog down, following a structured hearing and procedure.
Edwards asked the Selectboard for their perspectives about proceeding with the ordinance.
Ashcraft stated she didn’t think we needed an ordinance and that people are mad.
Pike stated that, as when he voted to say ok to trying to create the ordinance, he is not sure he is for or against the ordinance at this time. He presently has more concerns than what excites him about having the ordinance. He had wanted to give more authority to the Animal Control Officer, but feels situations should be handled between the private parties.
McLaren interrupted saying she had to go to another meeting, but wished her neighbors or other victims were here. She has experienced multiple dogs barking until 2 AM among other issues.
Marchegiani wished to know how many other towns in Vermont have dog ordinances and suggested having a leash law apply only in the village as it may be more applicable there.
Christofferson spoke with former Animal Control Officer Andy Rice two years ago. Situations occur. An ordinance would clearly define the next steps along with a discussion for action and should find the commonalities for the most severe situations.
Christofferson asked if the board chooses to adopt the ordinance and the townspeople petitions to disallow the ordinance, what happens. Edwards responded that there would be a vote at town meeting, and she believes but hasn’t confirmed this would be done from the floor.
HEARING OF VISITORS
Linda Lyon raised service dogs whose services were used in the Halifax School and had been threatened by unattended and off leash dogs while walking on public roads. She feels there should not have to be a drastic measure, such as getting bitten, in order for there to be action taken.
Edwards spoke about the responsibility to take care of animals and dogs but has had dangerous encounters with dogs. While the ideal situation is to handle it amongst affected parties, owners may be unreachable, unknown, or confrontational.
Pike noticed there was a concern from citizens of possible overreach in certain aspects of the draft ordinance.
Marchegiani stated that dogs bark to communicate their needs i.e. neglect, thirst, hunger or excessive time on a leash outdoors and that it is difficult to impound the dog for barking their needs as well as getting owners to take responsibility. Pike responded that the verbiage in the ordinance is harsh as well as the possible result of impoundment and a fee and training class for the owner.
Nancy McCrea asked about funding for the Animal Control Officer. Edwards clarified there is not currently a budget for the Animal Control Officer but there is for the first constable as the two positions are typically held by the same person. However, a future discussion about the budget for the Animal Control Officer may be necessary.
Audience member noted that situations should be handled with common courtesy and simplicity.
Other audience members and town residents don’t see the ordinance necessary.
Mike Gabriel commented that situations should be handled with the affected parties.
Roger Rushworth commented that while the town ordinance isn’t necessary, there are state laws that protect against biting dogs.
Keith Stone said that if the town adopts an ordinance, it needs to be followed as previously this may not have been the case with prior town ordinances.
Dennis Annear was concerned for the harsh verbiage of the ordinance and mentioned that the enforcement agent should be the Animal Control officer or legal law enforcement. He questioned which party would enforce the ordinance either the Animal Control Officer or Windham County Sheriff’s Office. Edwards clarified that the Town of Halifax has a contract with the Windham County Sheriff’s Office and while they provide animal control services for towns at an additional cost, the board would have to vote to add it. He expressed concern that dog tags can get entangled in a fence or crate. He uses an electronic collar on his dog.
Jeff Longe commented that he has been a longstanding resident of Halifax and has seen one dog bite instance in 24 years in the Fire Company. He also mentioned that the ordinance is the interpretation of the current board members and it can vary once the board members change. Edwards clarified that the ordinance can be amended or changed following procedure.
Jessica Cooney expressed concern for her children’s safety when she had an encounter with a dog running at large in the roadway while they were out walking, but also pointed out a safety concern as loose dogs can cause and be victims in car accidents.
Jason Ashcroft questioned if the ordinance includes hunting dogs. Edwards said they are not specifically mentioned in the ordinance and that hounding is a state-level issue.
Linda Huebner has had encounters with dogs running at large on public roads.
Cara Cheyette said the ordinance may not affect responsible dog owners but would be assistance to handle vicious and unattended dogs and their owners.
Mary Brewster lives in a remote location and would like her dog to be off leash while on her own property.
Andrea Rand encountered an unattended dog on a public road and agrees that restrictions are necessary for owners who are not in control of their dogs.
OTHER BUSINESS
Set next reading/possible adoption meeting date
Discussion will be held at the regular Selectboard meeting on October 21, 2025.
ADJOURNMENT
Ashcraft made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:48pm. Marchegiani seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Emily Dow
Halifax Administrative Assistant
Recording Link: https://youtu.be/WSMv_aIApB8
