ALTAMONT — Altamont recently adopted changes to its five-decade-old Dog Control law. 

In May 2024, the Altamont trustees presented the amendment to the village’s zoning code. The proposal faced significant resident pushback, leading the board to table it just two months later.

Last month, the board returned with a more detailed plan, which it adopted on Nov. 5.

The new law is more robust in enforcement — laying out steps for complaints, investigation, and consequences, whereas the 2024 version left those mechanisms unclear.

The 2025 law clarifies specific rules and reduces earlier ambiguity. For example, it states: “Any dog that is not on private land with the knowledge, consent and approval of the owner of such lands, must be on a physical leash not to exceed 8 feet and under full physical control of such owner or person.”

It also makes it “unlawful for any owner of or any person harboring any dog in the Village of Altamont to permit or allow such dog to … Be within 10 feet of a public playground containing playground equipment.”

Under Local Law No. 1 of 2025, any person who observes a violation may file a complaint with the Altamont Police Department. The confidential complaint must specify the date and description of the violation, and — if known — the address of the owner.

Once a complaint is received, the dog-control officer or Altamont Police Department is required to investigate. If warranted, a summons would be issued to the alleged violator. If the person failed to appear in court, the village justice may impose an additional fine, penalty, or even issue a warrant for arrest.

The law imposes a fine of up to $50 for a first violation, up to $100 for a second violation, and $100 for each subsequent violation.