As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMAL
Any dog, cat, or domestic farm animal.
DANGEROUS ANIMAL
Any wild mammal, 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 if it is not kept or maintained
in a safe manner or in secure quarters. The term shall also mean and
include any domestic mammal, reptile or fowl which, because of its
size or vicious propensity or other characteristic, would constitute
a danger to human life or property if it is not kept or maintained
in a safe manner or in secure quarters.
EXPIRATION DATE
The date designated or indicated in the vaccination certificate
as marking the end of the period of immunity from rabies afforded
by the vaccination.
OWNER
Any person owning an animal, having possession of an animal,
or who allows an animal to remain on his or her premises in Middletown
Township.
RABIES
A fatal, infectious disease of the brain caused by a specific
virus which occurs in saliva and is transmitted to new victims by
the bite of the afflicted animal.
VACCINATION
The practice of inoculations with a vaccine to afford protection
from rabies.
VACCINATION CERTIFICATE
A document signed by a qualified veterinarian, indicating
that the animal therein described has been vaccinated against rabies,
and containing the additional facts called for by this chapter.
VACCINATION TAG
Metal or durable plastic tag stating the dates of vaccination,
the tag number and veterinarian's name. Such tag must be affixed to
the collar or harness and be worn by the animal at all times.
VETERINARIAN
A graduate of an accredited school of veterinary medicine,
licensed to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
No animal shall be kept, raised, maintained,
pastured or sheltered in the Township unless the conditions set forth
below are met:
A. All animals in the Township shall be kept, maintained
or sheltered in such a manner so that their health or well being is
not endangered. No person shall treat an animal in the Township in
a cruel or inhumane manner. Beating, underfeeding, overloading and
abandoning animals shall be considered cruel and inhumane treatment
within the meaning of this section.
B. Where an enclosed shelter is provided for an animal,
such shelter shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition
and shall meet all the front, side and rear yard setback requirements
of the applicable zoning district.
C. All areas where farm animals, including but not limited
to, horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens are permitted
to move about, including all grazing and pasture areas, shall be fenced
so as to prevent escape. Such areas shall be maintained in a clean,
safe and sanitary condition. As an alternative to fencing, a farm
animal may be restrained by other means, provided the owner of such
animal remains on the premises and provides proper supervision during
the period of time the animal is restrained by such other means. No
farm animal shall be left tethered overnight.
D. All animals shall be kept, raised, maintained, pastured
and sheltered in such a manner so as not to:
(1) Emit noxious odors which are perceptible at lot boundaries;
(2) Emit unreasonable noise from the lot where such animal
is kept, raised, maintained, pastured or sheltered which causes inconvenience
or annoyance to the residents in the surrounding neighborhood; or
(3) Constitute a danger to the public health, safety and
welfare.
E. Dangerous animals shall be kept or maintained in a
safe manner and confined securely at all times so that the keeping
of such animals will not constitute a danger to human life or the
property of others.
Any person violating any of the provisions of
this chapter, upon conviction in a summary proceeding before a Magisterial
District Judge, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of $25 plus costs,
for the first violation; $50 plus costs for the second violation committed
within a period of one year; $100 plus costs for the third violation
committed within a period of one year; and $200 plus costs for the
fourth and subsequent violations committed within a period of one
year, and/or to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days.