[HISTORY: Adopted by the Mayor and Council of the Borough
of Ho-Ho-Kus 3-22-2011 by Ord. No. 984. Amendments noted where
applicable.]
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall
keep more than a total of four cats and/or dogs over the age of six
months per household in any single-family residence, including any
and all accessory structure(s), in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus. These
restrictions permit a total of four animals per property (for example,
three dogs and one cat, or two cats and two dogs), but in no event
shall the number exceed a total of four animals per household.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall
keep more than a total of three cats and/or dogs over the age of six
months per household in any multifamily residence, including any and
all accessory structure(s), in the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus. These restrictions
permit a total of three animals (for example, two dogs and one cat,
or two cats and one dog), but in no event shall the number exceed
a total of three animals per household.
A.
Proper commercial license. Licensed kennels, pet shops, shelters
and pounds shall be exempt from the limitations in this chapter.
B.
Recent litter. Individuals who exceed the allowable number of pets
due to a recent litter of cats and/or dogs shall be exempt; provided,
however, that any waiver of the allowable number of pets under this
section shall be granted for no more than 90 days from the date of
birth of said cats and/or dogs. Upon the expiration of this ninety-day
waiver period, the owner shall be required to comply with the limitations
stated in this chapter. Only one litter of offspring may be kept on
the premises at any one time.
C.
Temporary waiver after enactment of chapter. Individuals exceeding
the allowable number of cats and/or dogs at the time of the enactment
of this chapter may be permitted, in the discretion of the Board of
Health, to retain said cats and/or dogs for a period of no longer
than 90 days from the date of enactment of this chapter in order to
provide an opportunity to find alternative placement for said animals.
Any individual granted a waiver of the allowable number of pets under
this section shall be required to show diligent efforts to find alternative
placement for the excess animals. Upon the expiration of any temporary
waiver granted pursuant to this section, the owner shall be required
to comply with the limitations stated in this chapter.
D.
Pet limit waiver.
(1)
In extraordinary circumstances, if the strict enforcement of the
pet limit may constitute a hardship upon a pet owner, the owner may
apply to the Board of Health for a pet limit waiver, not to exceed
two additional animals. The Board of Health shall consider the number
of additional animals sought to be kept as pets and, consistent with
the requirements for the keeping of all pets within the Borough of
Ho-Ho-Kus, may consider whether the following conditions exist:
(a)
The dogs and cats are kept in the primary residence on the property
and are not permitted to run freely outside said residence.
(b)
The cats and/or dogs are not being kept for any commercial purpose.
(c)
The additional dogs and/or cats do not create a health risk
for the humans or other animals which occupy the residence.
(d)
The additional dogs and/or cats do not degrade the environment
for the surrounding residences.
(e)
All cats and/or dogs on the property have been properly vaccinated.
(f)
There is an adequate tick, flea or vermin control program.
(g)
The animals are not being kept for breeding purposes.
(h)
The applicant is in compliance with all other provisions of
this chapter.
(2)
All holders of a pet limit waiver shall submit to inspection by the
Borough Health Officer or designated representative periodically,
but in no event less than once per year. Repeated refusal to permit
inspection by the Health Officer shall result in the immediate revocation
of the waiver.
Any violation of any section of this chapter shall subject the
offender to a penalty of $250 for each offense. Each day the violation
shall continue shall constitute a separate offense.
