[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Winslow 9-26-2023 by Ord. No. O-2023-021.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 82, Animals, Domesticated and Non-Domesticated, adopted 6-23-15 by Ord. No. O-2015-010, as amended.
For purposes of this chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein, unless their use in the text of this chapter clearly demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not directory.
AGRICULTURAL
Any property that may be legally used for agricultural purposes, including the cultivation of animals and plants to sustain and enhance the lives of humans, domesticated animals, and non-domesticated animals. This does not include residential type gardens.
ANIMALS RUNNING AT LARGE
Any animal off the premises of the owner or custodian of the animal and not leashed and under the immediate control of the owner or custodian of the animal.
BARNYARD FOWL
Any fowl which is typically found on a farm, ranch or at a stable. These fowl include but are not limited to chickens, ducks, turkeys, geese, guinea hens, pigeons, pheasants, quail, chukar, and other common fowl.
CORRAL
A pen or fence enclosure of durable construction permanently affixed to the ground and used as an enclosure for the horses.
EXOTIC ANIMAL
Any species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, or crustacean that is not indigenous to New Jersey as determined by the Fish and Game Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act,[1] and shall include the young or eggs of any such species, but shall not include 1) domesticated companion animals or farm livestock as defined by the Fish and Game Council or 2) fish, shellfish, or game species not indigenous to New Jersey for which fishing, harvesting, hunting, or trapping is authorized and regulated pursuant to law, the State Fish and Game Code,[2] or rules and regulations of the Fish and Game Council.
FARM ANIMAL/LIVESTOCK
Any animal which is typically found on a farm, ranch or at a stable. These animals include but are not limited to horses, cows, goats, sheep, swine, llamas, alpacas, emus, ostriches and other common animals.
GARBAGE
Putrescible animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of foods, including animal carcasses or parts thereof.
HORSE
Includes a horse, pony, or other such equine quadrupeds as mules, asses, and donkeys.
INDIGENOUS ANIMAL
Any species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, or crustacean that is indigenous to New Jersey, as determined by the Fish and Game Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, and shall include the young or eggs of any such species.
MINIATURE HORSE
Any horse or pony measuring at less than 34 inches from the withers.
NON-DOMESTICATED ANIMALS
A non-domesticated animal is defined as any animal, reptile or fowl which is not naturally tame or gentle but is generally of a wild nature or disposition and which, because of its size, potentially dangerous nature or other characteristics, may constitute a threat to public health and safety. Non-domesticated animals include but are not limited to the following:
A. 
Any member of the Felidae family. Examples: lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, etc., or any hybrid of these species, even if crossbred with domesticated cats. Commonly recognized domesticated cats are exempt.
B. 
Any member of the Canidae family. Examples: wolves, foxes, coyotes, dingoes, jackals, etc., or any hybrid of these species, even if crossbred with domesticated dogs. Commonly recognized domesticated dogs are exempt.
C. 
All primates. Examples: monkeys, baboons, orangutans, apes, chimpanzees, gibbons, gorillas, etc.
D. 
All crocodilian species. (all species and sub species of alligators, crocodiles, caimans, etc.)
E. 
Large lizards. Examples: Komodo dragons, all species and subspecies of monitor lizards, etc. Small lizards commonly recognized as pets are exempt. (Bearded dragons, newts, iguanas, geckos, etc.)
F. 
All poisonous and or venomous animals, regardless of biological classification.
G. 
All species of animals commonly recognized as wildlife. Examples: deer, bear, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, groundhogs, bats, etc.
H. 
Any animal not specifically listed above, but which can be reasonably defined as a non-domesticated animal under this chapter.
NONAGRICULTURAL
Any property within the Township of Winslow that does not meet the definition to be considered an agricultural property.
OWNER/CUSTODIAN
Any person or persons who shall possess, maintain, house or harbor any animal or otherwise have custody of any animal, whether or not the owner of such animal, or who shall own the property where the animal is being housed or harbored.
PERSON
Includes a firm, partnership, corporation and individual or one or more individuals.
PETS/DOMESTICATED ANIMALS
Any animal tamed and adapted to live in close association with and to the benefit of humans, not including animals classified as farm animals or livestock. These animals include but are not limited to commonly recognized domesticated dogs and cats, and all other animals that can be legally purchased and owned in the State of New Jersey and generally considered as pets. These include but are not limited to hamsters, gerbils, mice, domesticated rats, guinea pigs, ferrets, rabbits, parrots, parakeets, and other similar birds, small nonvenomous and nonpoisonous lizards and amphibians, nonvenomous snakes. Any animal in this group that is legal to purchase and possess but requires a fish and wildlife permit may be kept within Winslow Township if the appropriate permit is obtained and maintained.
PIG
Includes hogs, swine, shoats and pigs.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS EXOTIC ANIMAL
Any species of exotic animal that has been determined by the Fish and Game Council, in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, to: 1) be capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries to humans, livestock, or pets, or 2) possess the potential for becoming a significant threat to indigenous animals or plants, the environment, agriculture, or the public health, safety, or welfare.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS INDIGENOUS ANIMAL
Any species of indigenous animal that has been determined by the Fish and Game Council in rules and regulations adopted pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, to: 1) be capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries to humans, livestock, or pets, or 2) possess the potential for becoming a significant threat to indigenous animals or plants, the environment, agriculture, or the public health, safety, or welfare.
STABLE
A building or structure of durable construction permanently affixed to the ground and used for boarding, sheltering, or housing of horses. This term shall specifically exclude shipping, containers or crates, truck bodies, vans or any similar enclosures for the housing of animals.
WILD BIRD
Any bird other than a native, introduced, or feral game bird, as defined in N.J.S.A. 23:4-49 and other than a domesticated bird such as a chicken, turkey, guinea fowl, goose, duck, pigeon, or peafowl. "Wild bird" also means the egg of a wild bird.
[1]
Editor's Note: See N.J.S.A. 52:14B-1 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See N.J.A.C. 7:25-5 et seq.
A. 
Prohibition. All non-domesticated animals as defined herein are prohibited.
B. 
Exemptions: Any individual, group or organization authorized to possess non-domesticated animals by the NJ Fish and Wildlife agency for the purposes of rehabilitation, research or education may have these animals within Winslow Township provided they are compliant with all regulations set forth by NJ Fish and Wildlife and Winslow Township. The facilities where the non-domesticated animals are being kept must be available for unannounced inspections by all authorized representatives of Winslow Township and all other agencies having jurisdiction over the care, control and custody of these animals. Any violations of the requirements set forth by the regulatory agencies or any deficiencies in the facilities that are not immediately corrected may result in the immediate seizure of the animals in that facility.
A. 
The following animals may be kept in connection with any residential or agricultural use where not raised for commercial purposes: cats, dogs, hamsters, gerbils, caged birds, fish or other usual household pets.
B. 
Restriction on number of pigs kept or maintained: No person shall keep, have, raise, or maintain more than two pigs in this township, except that such person or persons known as "farmers," whose chief and sole occupation is the cultivation of soil, shall be allowed to have, keep, raise, or maintain not more than 10 pigs.
C. 
Cocks/cockerels/roosters are prohibited within the Township of Winslow, except for any person owning or occupying a qualified farm.
D. 
All farm animals/fowl shall be divided into classifications as follows:
(1) 
Large animals, including cows, bulls, horses, donkeys and ponies.
(2) 
Medium animals, including sheep, goats, miniature horses, alpacas, and llamas.
(3) 
Small animals/fowl, including chickens, geese, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, pigeons, pheasants, or any other animal commonly referred to as "barnyard fowl."
E. 
Small animals/fowl require a minimum lot size of one acre and a maximum of 12 animals per acre, except for any person owning or occupying a qualified farm. It shall be unlawful to operate or maintain a commercial turkey farm or chicken farm within the Township limits.
F. 
Medium animals require a minimum lot size of two acres. Up to four medium animals may be kept on a two-acre parcel and 10,000 square feet of land is required for each additional medium animal after the first two animals.
G. 
Large animals require a minimum lot size of two acres. Up to two large animals may be kept on a two acre parcel and 20,000 square feet of land is required for each additional large animal after the first two animals.
H. 
Where a mixture of more than one size animal is kept, six small animals shall equal one medium animal, and two medium animals shall equal one large animal. The total number of small, medium, and large animals shall not, in using this ratio, exceed the total number of large animals permitted.
I. 
Any lot located in the RL, RM, RH, PRC, PA and PR-1, PR-2, and PR-6 Zones shall be exempt from the above requirements, provided that it is at least 10 acres in size, a qualified farm and is properly maintained as set forth under Subsection J below.
J. 
Shelter and fencing requirements.
(1) 
Shelter: The total stable/shelter/run-in, referred to in Subsection J herein, shall be the sum total of the following:
(a) 
Each large animal: 100 square feet.
(b) 
Each medium animal: 50 square feet.
(c) 
Each small animal: two square feet.
(2) 
Fencing: The total fenced-in area, referred to in Subsection J herein, shall be the sum total of the following:
(a) 
Each large animal: 5,000 square feet.
(b) 
Each medium animal: 1,500 square feet.
(c) 
Each small animal: 65 square feet.
K. 
The above provisions allowing the keeping of farm animals are subject to the following provisions:
(1) 
All animals must be an accessory use to an active residential or agricultural use.
(2) 
Separate fencing shall not be required for each animal.
(3) 
All fencing, enclosures, barns, stables, coops, shelters shall be in the rear or side yard, not permitted in the front yard.
(4) 
Assurance that all stables, buildings or enclosures are cleaned of all waste, manure, garbage and other materials, and the waste, manure, garbage and fecal material is removed from the premises or treated in such a manner as to prevent odor and the attraction of rodents or insects and that all stables, buildings or enclosures are sprayed or disinfected in order to prevent flies, fleas, insects and rodents. All sanitary provisions shall be maintained, and all public health codes shall be followed.
(5) 
All animals' enclosures shall be kept at least 50 feet from the edge of the road and at least 25 feet from side property lines.
(6) 
All animals shall be properly contained within a fenced-in area. No ground tying shall be permitted.
(7) 
No animals are permitted to run at large outside the properties properly placed pastures.
(8) 
In calculating the average above, only usable acreage can be included, which would be that portion of the property which, in its then present state, can be used for the raising of the animals in question. That portion of the premises devoted to residential use or wooded areas shall be excluded.
(9) 
Buildings necessary to any use permitted in this section shall be permitted, including barns, stables and chicken coops or similar buildings. Except for farms in the PA Zone, no such building may exceed in square feet the living area of the dwelling house erected on that property.
(10) 
This section shall not authorize the raising of any animals not normally raised on a farm. The raising of rare or exotic nonfarm animals for commercial purposes shall be prohibited.
A waiver or appeal from any of the requirements of § 82-4 of this chapter may be obtained based on facts specifically particular to the application, including consideration to whether the use preexisted the effective date of this chapter. In addition, an applicant shall have the opportunity to present evidence for consideration at a hearing of the Zoning Board of Adjustments.
A. 
A zoning permit is required prior to the placement of any large/medium/or small animals within Winslow Township. All structures, stables, run-ins, housing, corrals, shelters for animals must be shown on a survey of the property, dated within five years of the application. Permits must comply with the requirements of Chapter 40 § 54.1.
B. 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Zoning Officer or ACO Officer may waive the requirements of this section if, in the exercise of his/her reasonable discretion, there is a de minimis deviation from the specific requirements thereof.
Any and all animals defined herein must be kept healthy and free from sickness and disease at all times. Should the officer question the health of any animal, he/she shall have the authority to require an examination by a veterinarian, such examination to be at the expense of the owner or custodian of the animal. The Animal Control Officer will make a determination as to how emergent the animal's condition is and will require veterinary care in a time frame appropriate for the animal and the conditions.
No animal may be kept or maintained in the Township of Winslow unless such animal has provided for it an appropriate building, structure, enclosure, pen, coop or corral for shelter and/or containment.
Every person owning, keeping or harboring any animal shall prevent the animal from running at large outside the premises of such person, unless the animal is restrained by a fence, enclosure or leash, and no animals shall be permitted upon the streets or any other public ways of the Township of Winslow unless under the immediate control of the owner or his or her authorized custodian, who is at least 12 years of age and capable of handling the animal. Such action is declared to be a nuisance and dangerous to the public health, safety and welfare of the residents of the Township of Winslow.
The local official with the proper authority shall serve as the local officer responsible for the enforcement of this chapter and shall call upon any and all other state, county or local regulatory officials for assistance as needed for the enforcement of this chapter.
All places and premises in the Township of Winslow shall be subject to inspection by the local official with the appropriate authority if that official has reason to believe that any section of this chapter is being violated; provided, however, that the right of inspection granted pursuant to this section shall be limited by all applicable constitutional restrictions. To this end, the enforcing official shall make application to the Judge of the Municipal Court of the Township of Winslow, pursuant to the rules of court applicable thereto, for a search warrant for purposes of inspection pursuant to this section, where, under the applicable authorities, such warrant is required. It shall be unlawful for any person to hinder, obstruct, delay, resist or prevent the officer, or any enforcing official of the Township of Winslow or other regulatory agency, from having full access to any place or premises upon which a violation of this chapter is believed to exist. The local official with the appropriate authority shall also be authorized to conduct unannounced inspections at any time at all locations with a special permit and will reinspect all properties and facilities prior to the renewal of the special permit.
Whenever a violation of this chapter is found, or a nuisance is created under this chapter, on any land, lot, right-of-way or any other private premises or place, notice, in writing, shall be given to the owner/custodian of the animal(s) to remove or abate and correct same within a reasonable time, not to exceed 60 days. If the owner/custodian is not on location, the notice will be left in a conspicuous place.
The keeping or housing of animals other than permitted by this chapter, or in violation of any applicable rule, law, regulation or statute, or the finding of an animal anywhere in the Township other than on the lands and premises of the owner or keeper of same shall be deemed to be a public nuisance. Such animal so identified and/or found may be seized at once by the local official with the appropriate authority or any police officer appointed within the Township, or any other duly authorized and designated official. If, during the course of seizing and impounding any such animal, the animal possess a risk of serious physical harm or death to any person, such person or persons authorized by the local official with the appropriate authority may render said animal immobile by means of tranquilizers or other drugs. If the Township official reasonably believes that the animal possess an immediate threat to their or the public's health and safety, then the animal shall be destroyed by the most humane means available at the time. Any cost incurred by the Township in seizing impounding or destroying an animal for a violation of this chapter, or in connection with the dropping off at a shelter or abandoning of any animal, shall be charged against the owner, keeper, custodian or harborer of such animal, and there shall be a charge to be collected by the Township to defray such cost and expense. This charge shall be in addition to any fine or penalty provided for violating this chapter. This section does not apply to the seizure and impoundment of dogs, which is governed by Chapter 126 of the Township Code, or wild birds, live indigenous animals, live exotic animals, live potentially dangerous indigenous animals, or live potentially dangerous exotic animals.
This chapter shall apply to all owners or custodians of animals within the Township of Winslow in possession of animals prior to the date of its adoption, except for farms which may keep the existing number of animals possessed at the time of adoption. If the herein chapter is amended in regards to adding a new animal or new type of animal, all owners or custodians of animals within the Township will be required to comply with those amended provisions. The provisions of this Chapter shall not apply to existing fences or enclosures constructed pursuant to this chapter; however, any new structures built after the adoption of any amendments shall comply with new standards and requirements.
Any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be liable to the payment of a fine not exceeding $1,000. Such penalties shall be imposed within the discretion of the Municipal Court Judge of the Township of Winslow, giving due consideration to the dangerous propensity of the animal and the intentional or nonintentional aspect of the owner's or keeper's violation. A separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.