Article 12 passed, bringing Yarmouth’s general bylaws regarding dogs and other animals into compliance with recent state legislation known as Ali’s Law. The updates primarily affect dog licensing procedures and enact new requirements for commercial kennels.

During the discussion, resident Mary Gibney raised concerns regarding a requirement that dogs over six months old wear rabies tags at all times within a kennel. Wearing a tag and a collar can be extremely dangerous and even deadly [in a kennel setting], Gibney argued, suggesting the tags remain on the premises instead. However, Town Clerk Mary Maslowski clarified that these specific requirements were drafted by Town Counsel to strictly mirror the state’s mandate. Voters ultimately approved the article with specified technical amendments to ensure full compliance with the law.

Motion: To move Article 12 as printed in the warrant with specified technical amendments.

Vote: Passed