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Town hearing set on proposed change to further limit nuisance noise from pets Incessant barking or meowing by Rover or Kitty for more than five minutes could cost their owners some cold hard cash or even jail time if the Town of Oyster Bay passes an amendment to the existing noise control ordinance. The change would reduce the amount of length of time pets can cause a noise disturbance from 30 minutes to five minutes. "While most owners make every effort to prevent their pets from disturbing neighbors, some owners allows their animals to make noise at unreasonable hours and/or permit such noise to continue for prolonged periods of time," said Town Councilman Chris Coschignano. A hearing on the proposed change will take place 10 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Town Hall East. The proposed law includes not only barking and meowing but squawking and howling during both day and nighttime hours. Under the proposed legislation, the Town would be able to fine the owner if the pet causes noise for more than five minutes between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., or for more than 15 minutes between the hour of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m,. or for a shorter duration but for more than five times within a ten-day period as attested to by complaints from two or more separate property owners. The fine schedule remains the same as the original 1990 ordinance. For the first offense, there is a maximum of a $350 fine or imprisonment of no longer than six months or both; the second offense within five years of the first offense is a minimum of $350 and a maximum of $700 fine or imprisonment for no longer than six months or both; the third offense is a minimum of $700 and a maximum $1,000 fine and imprisonment for six months or both. According to Town of Oyster Bay public information officer Phyllis Barry, residents can either call the police or Town code enforcement to file a complaint. "This ordinance is complaint driven by residents who are having noise problems. To fine the resident, an officer must be there as the noise is occurring," said Barry. "Our goal is compliance and to get the problem resolved without writing summonses. Hopefully the pet owner can work with the Town to resolve the problem."
The hearing will include time for input from the public. It begins at 10 a.m., at Town Hall East, 54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay.
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