Riverhead Town is considering a code amendment that would put a stop to the practice of accepting dogs surrendered by their owners at the town animal shelter.
Currently, the town code requires the Riverhead Animal Control Officer to accept a dog surrendered by its owner, upon payment of a $25 fee and a signed waiver releasing all interest in the dog to the town.
The town often finds itself in possession of dogs that are difficult or impossible to get adopted, and the $25 fee paid by the owner doesn't even come close to the costs of care, according to Councilman James Wooten, the Town Board liaison to the animal shelter.
Also, when people have old or sick animals, they sometimes surrender them to the town for $25, rather than pay a significantly higher fee to have the dog euthanized by a veterinarian.
A public hearing on the proposed code amendment is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. today.
The Town Board's regular semi-monthly meeting will be held at Riverhead Town Hall, 200 Howell Avenue, Riverhead, beginning at 2 p.m.