[Adopted 11-11-2020 by Ord. No. 20-21]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
"At large" shall mean off the premises of the owner or custodian
of the animal and not under the immediate control of the owner or
custodian.
Any animal that has been bred and/or raised to live in or
about the habitation of humans and is dependent on people for food
and shelter and not raised for commercial gain, including, among others,
dogs, cats, guinea pigs, reptiles, chickens and fish, and excluding
poisonous and dangerous animals such as lions and bears, livestock
such as horses and cows, and other animals weighing more than 100
pounds.
An animal which is normally found on a farm, ranch, or stable.
Such animals include, but are not limited to, horses, cattle, sheep,
goats, swine, and chickens.
Any wild animal, reptile or fowl which is not naturally tame
or gentle but is of a wild nature or disposition and which, because
of its size, vicious nature or other characteristics, would constitute
a danger to human life or property.
Domestic animals (no more than eight cats and eight dogs) shall
be permitted on a property within all zones within the Township of
Jefferson.
No person shall permit any animal regularly housed on his property
or in his possession to run at large, nor shall any animals be permitted
upon the streets or other public ways of the Township unless under
the immediate control of the owner or his authorized custodian. Such
action is declared to be a nuisance and dangerous to the public health
and safety.
The keeping of chickens in the Township of Jefferson shall be
subject to the following requirements:
A.
A maximum of five female chickens shall be permitted on lots of one
acre or less.
B.
A maximum of 10 female chickens shall be permitted on lots of two
acres or more.
C.
The keeping of roosters (mature male chickens) and cockerels (young
male chickens) is prohibited except on farmland-assessed property.
D.
Chickens shall be provided with a fully enclosed shelter (coop) and
a run or fenced enclosure, with the following requirements:
(1)
Shelters and runs or fenced enclosures are permitted in the rear
yard only;
(2)
Shelters and runs or fenced enclosures shall be located a minimum
of 25 feet from a fenced-in property line, and 50 feet from any non-fenced-in
property line and a minimum of 50 feet from any residential dwelling;
(3)
Only one shelter shall be permitted on any lot, with a maximum permitted
area of any shelter of 100 square feet, and the total area of shelters
and attached run shall be a maximum of 150 square feet; and
(4)
Shelters/coops shall not exceed six feet in height.
E.
The shelter and enclosures shall remain in good repair and in a clean
and healthy condition, free from accumulation of waste, free from
noxious or offensive odor, and free from any condition which may breed
flies or other insects. Slaughtering chickens in public view is prohibited.
F.
Storage of manure, waste and odor- or dust-producing substances shall
be kept in a watertight container and disposed of in accordance with
health code and accepted agricultural practices; such manure and waste
storage shall be located at least 10 feet from any lot line and a
minimum of 25 feet from any residential dwelling.
