Committee for Animal Control Meeting Minutes- DRAFT
Town of Halifax, Vermont
September 14, 2025
6:00 PM at the Halifax Town Office
Sue Kelly called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Other Committee members present physically or via Zoom were Liz Moore, Jennie Crocker, Kim Lehner and Chris Lehner. Selectboard member present: Edee Edwards. Members of the public present physically or via Zoom: Cara Cheyette, Nancy McCrea and Andy Rice.
Meeting minutes of 8/28/25 were unanimously approved.
Sue Kelly reported survey results. There were 198 respondents to about 600 surveys mailed.
Question 1: Do you feel that Halifax should have an ordinance requiring dogs to be on a leash when not on their owner’s property or by permission on another property? YES: 36.4% NO: 63.6%
Question 2: Do you feel that Halifax should have a noise control ordinance specifically related to barking or howling dogs? YES: 35.9% NO: 64.1%
Question 3: Do you feel that Halifax should have an ordinance regarding aggressive dogs? YES: 58.9% NO: 41.1%
Discussion ensued on how the committee should proceed in light of these results. It was agreed that the committee should address the concerns expressed in Questions 1 and 3, revising the wording to address dogs “running at large” rather than “leashed“. Sue Kelly will write a rough draft based on the VLCT model ordinance, leaving open the penalty elements for later discussion.
During the hearing of visitors, discussion continued on how to define “running at large”, including recognition of the need for certain exemptions for working dogs.
The next meeting will be at the town office at 6 PM on 9/23/25.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:04 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Kelly
Meeting recording: https://youtu.be/zmRiN_S7Enc
