WESTON — Problems with animal abuse, neglect and horses and dogs running at large have resulted in implementation of this Franklin County city’s first animal control ordinance.

    In addition to the Weston City Council’s approval of an ordinance, Chris Baker has been hired as the city’s animal control officer, said Mayor Camille Larsen.

    “We had some people abusing horses this past winter,” Larsen said. “They weren’t feeding them. One may’ve even been killed. We decided to get something in place with a little bit of meat (force) to help the Sheriff’s Office and the city.”

    Weston, population about 430, is in southern Franklin County southwest of Preston.

    Mistreating and restraining animals in Weston can now result in issuance of a misdemeanor charge, the mayor said. Fines are set at $25 for the first offense, $35 for the second one and $50 for a third offense, if each infraction occurred within a 12-month period.

    A misdemeanor could be charged, primarily for animals running at large, the mayor said. That could be a maximum fine of no more than $150 and imprisonment of not more than 30 days.

    “It’s to keep animals contained,” Larsen emphasized. “In the past, there weren’t that many problems.” She said most of the problem appears to be with renters, “not our longtime folks”

    “Because Chris (Baker) doesn’t live in the city limits, that means everybody will be treated the same” as far as enforcement, the mayor said of the city’s new animal control officer.

    Baker will be paid on an hourly rate for any work needed, Larsen said. In addition, she said a “nice kennel” has been set up to house any dogs temporarily.

    “He’s (Baker) giving everybody a warning, so everybody’s aware,” during these first few weeks of being hired, Larsen said.