[Adopted 12-9-1969 by Ord. No. 1969-19 (Secs. 2.44.010 to 2.44.200 and 2.44.210 of the 1995 Code)]
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMAL
Cat or dog.
CAT
Both male and female.
DOG
Any dog, bitch or spayed bitch.
KENNEL
Any establishment wherein or whereon the business of boarding or selling dogs or breeding dogs for sale is carried on, except a pet shop.
OWN
The harboring, keeping and having any right of property in a dog or dogs or cat or cats within the Township of Cinnaminson.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
OWNER
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog shall include every person having a right of property in that dog and every person who has that dog in his keeping, and when applied to the proprietorship of any other animal, including, but not limited to, a cat, shall include every person having a right of property in that animal and every person who has that animal in his keeping.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6[1]]
PET SHOP
Any place of business which is not part of a kennel, wherein animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, rabbits, hamsters or gerbils, are kept or displayed chiefly for the purpose of sale to individuals for personal appreciation and companionship rather than for business or research purposes.[2]
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG
Any dog or dog hybrid declared potentially dangerous pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-23.
[Added 12-12-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-31]
POUND
An establishment for the confinement of dogs or other animals seized either under the provisions of this article or otherwise.[3]
SHELTER
Any establishment where dogs or other animals are received, housed and distributed.[4]
VICIOUS DOG
Any dog or dog hybrid declared vicious pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-22.
[Amended 12-12-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-31]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[3]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[4]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, as defined, a dog or cat in the Township of Cinnaminson without having obtained a license for it in compliance with provisions set forth in this article.
B. 
A license shall be required for any dog or cat which has attained the age of seven months or which possesses a set of permanent teeth.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
An official shall be designated by the Township Committee as Domestic Animal Registrar for the purpose of issuing licenses and maintaining records of registration of the dogs and cats within the Township.
A. 
Any person who owns a dog that has reached licensing age shall annually, in the month of January, obtain a license and official metal registration tag for each dog so owned. Any person who owns a cat that has reached licensing age shall annually, in the month of July, obtain a license and official metal registration tag for each cat so owned.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
B. 
The owner of a newly acquired dog or cat of licensing age or of any dog or cat which attains licensing age shall make application for the license and registration tag for such dog or cat within 10 days after such acquisition of age attainment.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
C. 
Any person who brings or causes to be brought into the Township any dog or cat licensed in another state for the current year and bearing a registration tag for such dog or cat, who shall keep the same or permit the dog or cat to be kept within the Township for a period of more than 90 days, shall, immediately upon the conclusion of said ninety-day period, apply for a license and registration tag for such dog or cat.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
D. 
Any person bringing or causing to be brought into the Township any unlicensed dog or cat and who shall permit the dog or cat to remain in the Township for a period of more than 10 days shall immediately apply for a license and registration tag for such dog or cat upon conclusion of said ten-day period.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
E. 
Dogs used as guide dogs for blind persons and commonly known as "Seeing Eye" dogs, dogs used to assist handicapped persons and commonly known as "service dogs" and dogs used to assist deaf persons and commonly known as "hearing ear" dogs shall be licensed and registered as other dogs provided for in this article, except that the owner, as defined herein, shall not be required to pay any fee therefor.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
A. 
The application shall state the breed, sex, age, color and markings of the dog or cat for which license and registration is sought and whether it is of a long-haired or short-haired variety; also the name, street and post office address of the owner and the person who shall be harboring such dog or cat.
B. 
All applicants for dog license shall provide a valid rabies vaccination certification from a veterinarian in compliance with N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2a.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Added at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
[Amended 4-28-1970 by Ord. No. 1970-16; 12-11-1979 by Ord. No. 1979-11; 12-8-1981 by Ord. No. 1981-18; 12-13-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-22; 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6; 11-10-1993 by Ord. No. 1993-19; 3-18-1998 by Ord. No. 1998-1; 12-19-2001 by Ord. No. 2001-13; 12-17-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-20]
A. 
License fee. The fee for issuance of a dog license and each renewal thereof, and the fee for issuance of a cat license and each renewal thereof shall be as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees.
B. 
Identification tag fee. There shall be charged the sum as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees, for the annual identification tag.
C. 
Late application. Whenever an application for the issuance of a dog or cat license or a renewal of the same is made after the time period set forth in § 162-4 of this article has expired, the cost of the issuance of said license or renewal license shall be as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees.
[Amended 12-13-1983 by Ord. No. 1983-22; 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
A. 
The Domestic Animal Registrar shall, upon issuing the license as herein provided, at the same time issue to the applicant an identification tag of metal or other suitable material.
B. 
Said identification tag shall have printed or stamped plainly thereon "Licensed, Township of Cinnaminson," the current year and a distinct, different number for each dog or cat. A careful record of each such number and the accompanying license shall be maintained by the Domestic Animal Registrar, particularly for identifying lost, strayed or impounded dogs and/or cats.
C. 
The shape of the identification tag shall be alternated each year, and upon satisfactory proof to the Domestic Animal Registrar that a license tag has been lost, worn or damaged beyond further use or cannot be found, the Domestic Animal Registrar shall issue to the same applicant, upon payment of a fee of $1, a new tag, but of a new and different number, and a notation of the transaction shall also be made on the office file for the number originally issued.
[Amended 4-21-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-7]
A. 
Dog kennels may be located in the Township where permitted by Chapter 525, Zoning.
B. 
The owner of a dog kennel shall procure, in lieu of an individual license for each dog, a kennel license annually in the month of January, which license shall expire on December 31 of each year.
C. 
The annual license fee for a kennel providing accommodation for 10 or fewer dogs and for kennels accommodating more than 10 dogs shall be as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
D. 
The application for a kennel license shall state the name and address of the owner of said kennel, the location of the kennel and the number of dogs that shall be accommodated and shall be accompanied by written approval of the Township Clerk and Health Officer showing compliance with the local and state rules and regulations governing location of and the sanitation of such establishment.
E. 
The kennel license is not transferable.
A. 
A pet shop shall be permitted in the Township, as provided in Chapter 525, Zoning Ordinance.
B. 
The annual license fee for a pet shop shall be as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees.
[Amended 12-12-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-31; 5-15-2002 by Ord. No. 2002-11]
A. 
It shall be unlawful for any person, association or corporation owning, keeping, harboring or having the custody or possession of any dog, whether registered or not, to permit such dog to be in or upon any public street, avenue or highway, or in any public street, avenue or highway, or in any public or quasi-public place in the Township of Cinnaminson, unless such dog shall be led by a chain, cord, thong or other leash in the hands of a person capable of leading and controlling such dog or shall be securely confined in an automobile or other vehicle.
B. 
A female dog in heat must be confined to the house or pen. When she is being exercised or walked, she must be on lead with a responsible adult. During this period in heat, said dog shall not be chained in an open yard or area at any time.
C. 
No person, corporation or association, with the exception of duly appointed public officials or employees acting in their official capacity, shall keep, harbor or have custody or possession, within the Township of Cinnaminson, of any dog which has been or shall be intentionally trained to attack, injure, maim or kill any human being or domestic pet voluntarily or upon command.
[Added 12-12-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-31]
A. 
State law incorporated by reference. The state statute governing vicious and potentially dangerous dogs, N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq., is hereby incorporated in this article by reference.
B. 
Liability of owner for costs of impoundment and destruction. If a dog is declared vicious or potentially dangerous pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq. and all appeals pertaining thereto have been exhausted, the owner of the dog shall be liable to the actual cost and expenses of impounding and destroying the dog, convening the panel, notices and such other administrative functions as may be required to be provided by the Township. The owner shall incur the expense of impounding the dog in a facility other than the shelter(s) used for municipal impounding purposes regardless of whether the dog is ultimately found to be vicious or potentially dangerous.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
C. 
Licensing, registration and identification of potentially dangerous dogs.
(1) 
The owner of a dog declared potentially dangerous pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-23 shall apply to the Township Clerk for a potentially dangerous dog license municipal registration number and red identification tag. The Township Clerk shall issue the same upon written verification from the municipal Animal Control Officer that the owner has complied with the orders of the panel convened pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-21. The owner shall annually renew said potentially dangerous dog license.
(2) 
The fee for issuance of a potentially dangerous dog license and each annual renewal thereof shall be as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees.
D. 
Telephone number for reporting violations of N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq. The Township Clerk shall publicize a telephone number for reporting violations of the act establishing requirements for owners of vicious and potentially dangerous dogs, N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq., and shall forward this number to the State Department of Health and Senior Services.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
Every dog and cat required to be licensed under this article shall at all times wear a substantial durable collar to which shall be attached securely the registration tag required. No person, except an officer in the performance of his duty, shall remove a registration tag from the collar of any dog or cat without the consent of the owner, nor shall any person attach a registration tag to a dog or cat for which it was not issued.
The Township Committee may contract any established humane society, animal welfare group or dog warden to pick up, impound and dispose of dogs impounded, at a fixed rate of compensation and for a specified period of time. The term "Dog Controller" shall be used hereinafter to refer to a humane society, group or organization, as appropriate.
A canvass of dogs in the Township shall be taken by the Dog Controller or by a person appointed by the Township Committee, which individual shall, biennially, on or before May 1 of the year in which the canvass is made, render a report to the Domestic Animal Registrar, to the Township Board of Health and to the State Department of Health and Senior Services of the results of the canvass, setting forth the names and addresses of the persons owning unlicensed dogs and the number of unlicensed dogs by each of said persons, with a complete description of each unlicensed dog.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
Any dog running at large, or any dog off the premises of the owner of said dog and not on a leash or under the direct and immediate close control of a responsible person, or any dog a policeman of the Township or the Dog Controller appointed by the Township has reason to believe is a stray dog, or any dog off the premises of the owner of said dog without a current registration tag on his collar or any dog being or reasonably suspected of being rabid shall be seized promptly by any police officer of the Township or by the Dog Controller and impounded in the dog pound or shelter.
B. 
The owner of said dog, if licensed, and if unlicensed, the owner of said dog if known or if he can be ascertained upon reasonably diligent inquiry, shall be notified, in writing, that the dog has been seized and will be liable to be disposed of or destroyed if not claimed within seven days after service of the notice.
C. 
A notice under this section of this article may be served either by personal delivery to the owner or by leaving it at the owner's usual or last known place of abode or at the address given on the dog's permit application form or by forwarding a notice by mail in a prepaid letter addressed to the owner at his last abode.
D. 
Where any dog has been seized and detained for seven days after the giving of notice or where no notice has been able to be given and the dog has been detained for seven days after seizure, the said dog has not been claimed by its owner, and all expenses incurred by reason of its detention, including maintenance, in the amount as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees, and costs of picking up and detaining the dog in the amount as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees, have not been paid, and if the dog be unlicensed at the time of his seizure and the owner of said dog has not produced a license or registration tag for said dog, the Chief of Police or the Dog Controller may cause the dog to be destroyed in a manner causing as little pain as possible.
[Amended 1-27-1970 by Ord. No. 1970-1]
E. 
A dog impounded on account of being or reasonably suspected of being rabid or having been bitten by a rabid dog shall be held for a period of 10 days after seizure unless death occurred before the expiration of 10 days. If the dog survives the quarantine, it shall be returned to its owner promptly on the day after the 10th day of detention and without any cost to its owner, having been properly fed and cared for during the ten-day period.
F. 
The Chief of Police or Dog Controller may segregate from unclaimed dogs to be put to death such worthy or valuable dogs as may be purchased because of their value or because previous request has been received to purchase the same.
A. 
The Dog Controller shall keep a careful record of all dogs received by him, describing each dog carefully, describing clearly and fully the disposition of each dog.
B. 
A pound or shelter shall be kept at all times in a sanitary manner, be managed efficiently and humanely, and the dogs shall be fed properly.
A. 
When upon written certification of the Township Public Health Officer it is considered that a dog is rabid or has actually been bitten within the previous 10 days by a dog or other animal rabid or reasonably suspected of being rabid, a copy of such certification shall be given to the owner of the dog at the same time, and thereupon the dog mentioned and described fully in the certification shall be seized on or off the owner's premises by the Dog Controller and by him only, without the necessity of arrest warrant or court order, and impounded in the dog pound and kept impounded for a period not exceeding 10 days; promptly on the day after the 10th day of detention, it shall be returned to its owner without any cost whatever to its owner, having been properly cared for and fed during the ten-day period. The cost of board for the dog during the mandatory period shall be paid by the Township.
B. 
As alternative quarantine, the owner may designate a nearby and convenient veterinary hospital within the State of New Jersey as quarters for the 10 days, and all charges shall be paid by the owner of the dog.
[Amended 4-12-1989 by Ord. No. 1989-10[1]]
A. 
No person shall keep, harbor or own any dog which by habitual barking, yelping or howling, or by the creation of obnoxious odors or by constant threat of biting, shall cause clear annoyance to people passing to and fro upon the public streets or to people on neighboring properties. No person owning a dog within the Township shall permit such animal to run through or across cultivated gardens and fields. The foregoing behavior of any dog is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
B. 
No person shall be cruel or inhumane to a dog, said cruelty and inhumanity consisting of biting, torturing, mutilating or cruelly killing or clear failure to provide food, drink or shelter for a dog or abandoning an old, sick or disabled dog.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).
A. 
No person, which shall be defined to include a family unit, corporation or association, shall keep, harbor or have possession or custody of more than four animals on any one residential premises within the Township. This restriction shall not include the temporary keeping of newborn animals which have been born to a female animal kept on the same premises prior to the time of the birth of said animals. This section shall not apply to duly licensed kennels and pet shops as set forth in this article.
B. 
Those persons, as defined in Subsection A of this section, who at the effective date of this article shall have in their possession animals exceeding the number of animals permitted in Subsection A shall for the lifetime of said animal be permitted to keep the same. However, said persons, as the number of animals in their possession decreases due to death or for whatever reason, shall not be permitted to replace said animals. It is the intent of this section to bring those persons, who on the effective date of this article have more than the permitted number of animals, into compliance with this section without requiring said persons to, on the effective date of this article, immediately dispose of their animals to meet the requirements of this section.
A. 
Public nuisance defined. Within the purview of this section, a cat shall be considered a public nuisance if it has no known owner or custodian, or if it has no known place of care or shelter, or if it habitually trespasses upon or damages either private or public property or annoys, bites, scratches or harms lawful users or occupants thereof.
B. 
Duties of owners or custodians. Any person who owns, keeps or harbors any cat at any place within the Township of Cinnaminson or who permits any cat to enter the corporate limits of the Township shall license said cat pursuant to the provisions of this article and shall exercise sufficient and proper care of and control over such animal at all times so as to prevent the same from becoming a public nuisance, as defined in this section.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
C. 
Seizure and custodial care. The Animal Control Officer or other person designated by the Township Committee as a person authorized to enforce the provisions of this section shall, upon receipt of a complaint that a cat is a public nuisance as defined herein, seize said cat and keep the same in his care and custody for a period of seven full days from the date of apprehension.
D. 
Notice of seizure. If any cat apprehended pursuant to the provisions of this section bears any identification of ownership or place of abode, the Animal Control Officer or other duly authorized apprehending official shall, on the day of apprehension, notify the owner or the occupant of said place of abode that the animal has been apprehended and that it may be claimed at a designated location, subject to the provisions of this section.
E. 
Provisions for reclaiming. During the aforementioned seven-day custodial period, any cat so incarcerated may be claimed by its owner upon payment to the Animal Control Officer or other duly authorized custodian of the sum as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees, for each day or fraction thereof that said cat has been in custody and the cost of picking up and detaining said cat as set forth in Chapter 265, Fees.
F. 
Disposition of unclaimed cats. Any cat which has been seized pursuant to this section and which has not been reclaimed during the custodial period herein set forth may be claimed by any person willing to assume the responsibilities of ownership; otherwise said cat may be disposed of by the Animal Control Officer or other duly designated official in as humane a manner as possible.
G. 
Inoculation requirements. All cats required to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of this article shall also be inoculated against rabies by August 1 of each year. A certificate demonstrating that the inoculation was performed shall be filed with the Domestic Animal Registrar by August 1 of each year.
[Amended 4-11-1990 by Ord. No. 1990-6]
Except as provided in N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.19, any person who violates any provision of this article shall, upon his first conviction, be liable for a fine not to exceed $50; for a second conviction, be liable for a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100; and for a third and subsequent convictions, be liable for a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200.
[1]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I).