The Board of Commissioners shall be empowered to issue a declaration
prohibiting cats from running at large in the Township of Springfield
if an epidemic of rabies is confirmed in the township or in any municipality
adjacent to the township. The end of the period of prohibition shall
be determined by the Board of Commissioners. Notice of the declaration
prohibiting cats from running at large and notice of the end of the
period of prohibition shall be given to the public by means of an
announcement in a newspaper of general circulation within the township
and by means of appropriate announcements through other available
media sources. Following the issuance of such declaration, it shall
be unlawful for the owner of any cat to allow such cat off a leash
while outside.
It is the intent that this article shall be supplemental to
any laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereinbefore or hereinafter
adopted covering dogs within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and
specifically in the Township of Springfield. Should any of the provisions
of this article be contrary to the provisions of any Act of Assembly,
it is the intent that the Act of Assembly shall supersede this article.
The proper officers of the township are authorized to enter
into such agreements or contracts with any individual or individuals
or corporations as may be reasonably necessary to implement the provisions
of this article in regard to the care and custody of such dogs detained
by the township pursuant to the provisions of this article and to
provide for the reasonable compensation of such person, persons or
corporations for such services.