Sweden updates dog penalty, kennel fees

Fines for dog control violations and kenneling fees were increased by Town of Sweden officials following a public hearing on August 24.

According to the newly passed resolution, the town amended the penalties for offenses as follows: "Any person who violates or knowingly permits violation of this article shall be subject to a fine of not more than $75 ... except where the law was violated within the preceding five years the fine may not be more than $150 ... or where the person was found to have committed two or more such violations within the preceding five years ... it shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $300 or imprisonment for not more than 15 days or both."

Sweden's present dog penalties are $25, $50 and $150.

Kenneling fees were doubled to $10 per day. The town presently charges a $5 per day kennel fee.

Dog Control Officer Kathryn Beaumont said that the fees had not been increased in more than 18 years. "These increases come on the heels of a woman being attacked by a pitbull on Holley Street," Councilman Tom Ferris said. "Our fines are not reflective of the serious injuries that could result in a dog attack." While the dog attack was covered by another regulation, Ferris said that situation caused the town to look at their fines and fees and bring them up to date.

Town officials, on August 24 at 7:15 p.m., will be gathering input from the public for the excavation permit for Iroquois Rock Products quarry on Colby Street and Sweden Walker Road. The permit expired June 24, 2003 and an application has been submitted by Iroquois for the renewal of the permit.