A piece of Dartmouth’s agricultural history could receive a facelift if Town Meeting voters give the go-ahead in June.

The Historical Commission will ask for $10,000 in community preservation funding at the June Town Meeting to restore an animal pound that dates back to 1831. The money would cover clearing trees, ensuring stability, and restoring the structure’s wooden entranceway, said Historical Commission member Judy Lund.

“There are very few examples of town pounds left in the South Coast,” Lund said.

In the early 19th century, Allen Sisson sold the structure to the Town of Dartmouth to confine stray animals discovered wandering loose, according to historical records. Owners then had to pay a fine to release their animals. The structure still stands at its 1150 Russells Mills Road location.

The site is listed as a contributing structure in the Russells Mills Village Historic District. Although not the first town pound in Dartmouth, it is the only one left in town and holds special meaning in the region, Lund said

“The town pound has not been in the forefront of the town’s consciousness,” Lund added.

The request for community preservation funds comes after several years of work to restore the property. The commission approached the Department of Public Works to see if they could cut down the trees, but they were too large, Lund said.