[Adopted 4-23-1998 by Ord. No. 1583 (Ch. 2, Part 1, of the
1986 Code of Ordinances)]
As used in this article, the following terms have the meaning
indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context.
Any person having a right of property in any dog or having
custody of any dog or any person who harbors or permits a dog to remain
on or around his or her property or the property of another.
Being upon any public highway, street, alley, park or any
other public land, or upon property of another person other than the
owner, and not being properly accompanied by or under control of the
owner or any other person having custody of said dog.
It shall be unlawful for any owner of any dog or dogs to allow
or permit such dog or dogs to run at large in the City. In addition,
it shall be the duty of the owner, custodian or keeper of any dog,
while traveling on the streets, alleys or public grounds in the City,
or upon the property of another, to have said dog on a leash not greater
than six feet in length at all times and to prevent the dog from entering
upon the property of person(s) in the City without the said property
owner's consent.
Any police officer or animal enforcement officer or other person
authorized by law may seize any dog found at large in the City. Such
dogs are to be impounded in a licensed kennel.
Owners of licensed dogs are to be notified by registered or
certified mail, with return receipt, or by personal service or notice
by posting the same upon the property of the owner, that the dog is
impounded and will be disposed of in five days if not claimed. Five
days after the return receipt has been received, or said notice has
been provided, and the dog has not been claimed, the dog may be sold
or destroyed in accordance with the 1982 Dog Law, as amended.
Unlicensed dogs that are seized are to be held in such kennel
for 48 hours, and if not claimed, may be destroyed in accordance with
the 1982 Dog Law, as amended.
Dogs that, in the opinion of any police officer or animal enforcement
officer, constitute a threat to public health or welfare may be killed
by the police or animal enforcement officer.
A.
The first two times a dog is seized, pursuant to the terms of this
article, the owner shall pay a fine of $100 to the City per day as
well as reasonable fees for keeping the animal in a kennel, for each
such incident.
B.
Any individual, person, firm, corporation or other entity who shall
violate any provision of this article shall, upon being held liable
in any civil proceeding or upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to
pay a penalty, fine or charge of no less than $100 nor more than the
maximum amount permitted by law, but not to exceed $1,000, and in
default of payment or any failure to pay any fine or penalty, upon
a summary or other criminal conviction, shall be sentenced to imprisonment
for a period not to exceed 30 days, or both.
[Amended 12-7-2006 by Ord. No. 1766]
C.
Each day that a violation of this article shall continue shall constitute
a separate offense, subject to the fines, costs, penalties and charges
set forth above for each offense.
[Added 12-7-2006 by Ord. No. 1766]
D.
Nothing herein shall limit, prevent or preclude the City of Washington
from taking any and all legal action or exercising any other remedy
available to the City by law, including but not limited to the initiation
of civil or criminal proceedings or injunctive relief in order to
enforce or ensure compliance with this article. As an additional remedy,
the City of Washington may abate any nuisance, dangerous or hazardous
condition by any means permitted by law, which shall include, but
not be limited to, an action in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington
County, Pennsylvania for injunctive relief; the use of any City of
Washington personnel, equipment and materials or that of an authorized
agent or contractor hired by the City to remove or abate any nuisance,
dangerous or hazardous condition and with all costs thereof or related
thereto to be charged against the property owner(s) and/or person
or entity who has violated the article or portion thereof; said costs
shall include all actual costs and expenses, including all costs of
collection and reasonable administrative costs of the City, incurred
in enforcing the provisions of the article.
[Added 12-7-2006 by Ord. No. 1766]
