Township of Readington, NJ Article III Feeding of Unconfined Wildlife

[Adopted 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 24-2007]

§ 70-17 Purpose.

The purpose of this article is to prohibit the feeding of unconfined wildlife in any public park or on any other property owned by the Township of Readington, so as to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the Township of Readington, and to protect against water pollution and environmental degradation in accordance with the Township's stormwater management plan and the New Jersey State Stormwater Rules promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection, pursuant to the New Jersey Water Pollution Control Act (N.J.S.A. 58:10a-1 et seq.), and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.

§ 70-18 Definitions.

For the purpose of this article, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein, unless their use in the text of this article 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 merely directory.

FEED

To give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing wildlife. "Feed" does not include baiting in the legal taking of fish and/or game.

PERSON

Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm, association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal jurisdiction.

WILDLIFE

All animals that are neither human nor domesticated.

§ 70-19 Prohibited conduct.

No person shall feed, in any public park or on any other property owned or operated by the Township of Readington, any wildlife, excluding confined wildlife (for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers, or unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers, or feral cats as part of an approved trap-neuter-release program).

§ 70-20 Enforcement.

This article shall be enforced by the Police Department or other public officer as may be appointed or directed by the Township Committee of the Township of Readington.

§ 70-21 Violations and penalties.

Any person who violates the provisions of this article shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding $500. Each day a violation continues after the time required for the abatement thereof shall constitute a separate offense.