[Adopted 8-2-1951 by Ord. No. 283 (Ch. 2, Part 2, of the
1988 Code of Ordinances)]
[Amended 8-15-1988 by Ord. No. 682; 3-17-1997 by Ord. No. 761]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from
the context:
Any animate being, except a human being, endowed with the
power of voluntary motion. Additionally, the term "animal" does not
include fish.
Hereinafter called "ACO," any person or legal entity with
whom the Borough enters into a contract for the control of animals
in the Borough, who shall enforce the Borough's animal ordinances
and applicable state laws. For purposes of this article, any employee
of a legal entity hired by the Borough to enforce this article shall
also be considered an ACO.
An animal is in control if it is either confined within an
enclosure from which it cannot escape or firmly secured by means of
a collar, leash, chain or other device so that it cannot stray beyond
the property of the owner. If an animal, while standing on its hind
legs, is taller than the fence behind which it is kept, said animal
must be secured with a collar, leash, chain or other device so that
it cannot get any closer than three feet from the said fence to be
considered in control. An animal is in control if, while not present
in or on the owner's property, it is attached to a leash, chain
or other device no more than nine feet long on the one end and the
owner or his agent at the other end.
Every person(s) having a right to, proprietorship of, care
of and/or custody of a dog, cat or other animal and every person(s)
who keeps or harbors a dog, cat or other animal which remains on or
about any property occupied by such person(s).
An animal shall be deemed to be running at large if it is
elsewhere than in or on the property of the owner and not under the
care or control of the owner and/or his agent or if it is elsewhere
than in or on the property of the owner without the knowledge, consent
or approval of the owner and/or his agent. An animal is deemed to
be running at large if it is not in control as defined in this article.
[Added 8-15-1988 by Ord. No. 682; amended 3-17-1997 by Ord. No.
761]
Any animal not in control (as defined in this article) shall
be deemed to be running at large. It is unlawful for the owner of
any animal to allow an animal to be running at large. Any animal running
at large shall be impounded by the ACO, and a transportation fee will
be charged to the owner, along with a fine for the violation. The
animal will be transported to the SPCA or licensed kennel or holding
area of the ACO's choice.
[Amended 8-15-1988 by Ord. No. 682]
Any police officer or dog warden may seize any dog found at
large in the Borough. Such dogs are to be impounded in a licensed
kennel.
[Amended 8-15-1988 by Ord. No. 682]
Dogs that, in the opinion of any police officer or dog warden,
constitute a threat to public health and welfare may be killed by
the police or dog warden.[1]
