Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be in the town of Lancaster an animal control commission. The commission shall have all the powers and duties vested in the board of selectmen pursuant to the General Laws as they relate to animal control in the town. The commission may promulgate rules and regulations for the care and control of animals and facilities consistent with state and local law. The town may, by by-law, add to the duties of the commission.

SECTION 2. The animal control commission shall consist of not less than 5 nor more than 7 members who shall be appointed by the board of selectmen. When the commission is first established, the terms of members shall be for such length not exceeding 3 years and so arranged that the terms of approximately 1/3 of the members will expire each year and their successors shall be appointed for terms of 3 years. A vacancy occurring other than by the expiration of a term shall be filled for the unexpired term in the same manner as an original appointment. Any member may be removed for cause by the appointing authority after a public hearing. Before entering upon official duties, an appointee to the commission shall be sworn to the faithful performance of his duties.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.