[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
This Part shall be known and may be cited as the "Dog Control
Ordinance."
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meaning
indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, includes every
person having a right of property in such dog, and every person who
keeps or harbors such dog or has it in his care, and every person
who permits such dog to remain on or about any premises occupied by
him.
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 accompanied by or under the control of the owner
or any other person having custody of said dog.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
An Animal Control Officer shall be appointed by the Board of
Supervisors to serve at its pleasure. Such Animal Control Officer,
along with the officers of the Police Department, shall have concurrent
responsibility for the enforcement of this Part and of the Dog Law,
3 P.S. 459-101 et seq., as amended; provided, that the Animal Control
Officer shall not have the power to make arrests under the Dog Law
nor any ordinance of the Township.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
It shall be unlawful for any owner of a dog to permit or to
allow such dog in the Township to:
A.Â
Be at large.
B.Â
Engage in habitual howling, barking, crying or whining or conduct
itself in such a manner as to unreasonably and habitually annoy any
persons.
C.Â
Cause damage or destruction to any property or create a nuisance
by performing its excretory functions upon the premises of a person
other than the owner of the dog.
D.Â
Chase or otherwise harass any person in such a manner as to reasonably
cause intimidation or to put such person in reasonable apprehension
of bodily harm or injury.
E.Â
Habitually chase, run aside of or bark at motor vehicles or bicycles.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog to allow or permit
such dog to run at large in the Township.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
The Animal Control Officer, any officer of the Police Department
or constable may seize any dog found at large in Township. Such dogs
are to be impounded in a licensed kennel.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
Any Animal Control Officer, officer of the Police Department
or designated Township employee shall notify the owner of a licensed
dog by registered or certified mail, with return receipt, 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, and the dog
has not been claimed, the dog may be disposed of by sale or by giving
it to a humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty
to animals in accordance with the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-302,
as amended.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
Unlicensed dogs that are seized shall be held at a licensed
kennel for 48 hours and if not claimed may be humanely killed or given
to the humane society or association for the prevention of cruelty
to animals in accordance with the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-302,
as amended.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
1.Â
A dog determined to be dangerous under § 502-A of the Dog
Law, 3 P.S. § 459-502-A, as amended, shall be restrained
or otherwise kept in accordance with Article VI-A of the Dog Law,
3 P.S. § 459-501-A et seq., as amended.
2.Â
Dogs may be killed only in accordance with the requirements of § 501
of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501, as amended, and otherwise,
said dogs must be detained and delivered to the police or a state
dog warden. While detained, said dog must be treated in a humane manner.
[Ord. 656, 4/9/2015]
1.Â
The first two times a dog is seized, the owner shall pay a fine of
$15 to the Township as well as reasonable fees for keeping the animal
in a kennel in an amount as established from time to time by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors.
2.Â
Any person allowing a dog to run at large a third time in violation
of this Part, or fails to comply therewith, or with any of the requirements
thereof, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a magisterial
district judge in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary
offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall
be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000
plus costs, including reasonable attorney fees incurred by the Township,
and, in default of payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment
to the extent permitted by law for the punishment of summary offenses.
A separate offense shall arise for each day or portion thereof in
which a violation of this Part is found to exist and for each section
of this Part found to have been violated. The Township may also commence
appropriate actions in equity or other to prevent, restrain, correct,
enjoin, or abate violations of this Part. All fines and penalties
collected for violations of this Part shall be paid to the Township
Treasurer.
