For the purposes of this article, the following
definitions shall be applicable:
ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICE
A nonprofit organization such as the Delaware Office of Animal
Welfare, local SPCA or volunteer nonprofit animal organizations that
do not charge fees for trapping animals.
[Amended 7-20-2018 by Ord. No. 0718-01; 1-17-2020 by Ord. No. 0120-01]
LIVE TRAP
A device used for the trapping of dogs, cats or other animals
which does not injure, maim or kill the animal being trapped.
PROFESSIONAL TRAPPER
A person, business or other entity who charges a fee for
the trapping of dogs, cats and other animals.
The purpose of this article is to encourage
the trapping, by humane trapping procedures, of abandoned or feral
dogs, cats and other animals, especially abandoned or feral cats,
within the City, given that the City has a significant resident-abandoned
or feral cat population.
Residents of the City, professional trappers,
officers of an animal control service, or a humane or advocacy group
society shall be permitted to engage in the trapping of abandoned
or feral dogs, cats, or other animals within the incorporated limits
of the City of Rehoboth Beach, pursuant to the following regulations:
A. Live traps should be the only trapping method used.
[Amended 1-17-2020 by Ord. No. 0120-01]
(1) No
feline or rodent, including squirrels, shall be left in a trap for
a period in excess of four hours.
(2) Once
placed, no trap shall be left unattended for a period in excess of
four hours.
B. Leg traps are prohibited.
C. All traps must have identification tags which are:
(2) Identify the owner's name and address;
(3) Identify the telephone number of the person who is
using the trap.
D. Trapping procedures must be used in accordance with §
88-9.
E. Within 72 hours of apprehension, trappers must provide
to the City Manager a list of the dogs and/or cats trapped, including
a physical description of the animal and approximate location, time
and date of the trapping, which will then be posted at City Hall.
F. Professional trappers must obtain a business license
from the City before engaging in trapping of animals.
G. Professional trappers shall provide the City of Rehoboth
Beach with written notice of the exact locations and purpose of trapping.
H. This section shall not apply to:
(1) The City, or the Police Department, or their authorized
representatives engaging in the trapping of animals, for the purpose
of protecting public safety.
(2) The trapping of rodents, such as mice, rats, or squirrels.
(3) The trapping of animals which occurs indoors.
Any person violating any of the provision of
this article shall, upon conviction, pay a fine of not less than $100
or more than $250 and shall pay the cost of prosecution. In addition,
professional trappers may be subject to forfeiture of their business
license by the City.