Constable & Animal Control

Animal Control Ordinance

Constable position open - appointed by Select Board
For more information, review the part-time constable job description.
The authority of a constable set out in 24 V.S.A. § 1936a (b) includes:

The service of civil or criminal process, under 12 V.S.A. § 691;
Destruction of animals, in accordance with the provisions of 20 V.S.A. chapter 193;
Killing of injured deer, under 10 V.S.A. § 4749;
Provision of assistance to the health officer in the discharge of the health officer's duties, under 18 V.S.A. § 617;
Service as a Criminal Division of the Superior Court officer, under section 296 of this title;
Removal of disorderly people from town meeting, under 17 V.S.A. § 2659.

The constable for the Town of Plainfield does not have law enforcement authority, however s/he may be authorized by the Select Board for the Town of Plainfield to enforce municipal ordinances. The constable for the Town of Plainfield may not be expected to carry out all of the responsibilities listed in 24 V.S.A. § 1936a (b) above.
Essential qualities for Constable for the Town of Plainfield are good communication skills, attention to detail, willingness to be disturbed by calls for assistance any time of day (or night), ability to collaborate with other town officers and law enforcement officers, and an orientation to solving problems through negotiation. In the event that the constable is authorized to enforce municipal ordinances, the constable is also expected to prosecute ordinance violation tickets before the Vermont Judicial Bureau at a location in Washington County when a ticket is appealed. The constable will also prepare a written report to be included in the annual Town Report for the Town of Plainfield. Preference will be given to residents of the Town of Plainfield.

Individuals interested in serving as constable for the Town of Plainfield are encouraged to obtain an application from the Town Clerk and return it for consideration along with a letter of interest which includes your skills, experience, and training and lists references. Please file your application with the Plainfield Town Clerk.

Renewal of Dog and Wolf-Hybrid Licenses
Renewal dog and wolf-hybrid licenses are required by state law and due by April 15, 2021. Please mail or bring a valid rabies certificate (please call your veterinarian or the Vermont's Animal Control hotline at 800-472-2437 with questions), along with a check or money order for the appropriate fees to the Town Office.

If your dog has a current rabies on file, just drop your payment off by mail or by putting in the town office drop box. We will process the license and mail a copy to you with the new dog tag.

Dog and Wolf-Hybrid Licensing Fees Before April 1, 2021

$ 9.00 for spayed/neutered dogs
$13.00 if not spayed/neutered

Dog and Wolf-Hybrid Licensing Fees After April 1, 2021

$11.00 for spayed or neutered
$17.00 for dogs that are not spayed or neutered