It shall be unlawful for any person harboring,
owning or possessing any animal to permit the same to run at large.
For the purpose of this section, "running at large" shall be defined
to be the presence of an animal at any place except upon the premises
of the owner. A dog shall not be considered to be running at large
if it is on a leash and under the control of a person physically able
to control it.
Any animal running at large and/or threatening public health and safety shall be apprehended and impounded by the Certified Animal Control Officer of the City of Garfield at the expense of the owner or in accordance with the fees established in §
80-14.
Any person or agent authorized or empowered
to perform any duty under this article is hereby authorized to go
upon any premises to seize for impounding any animal which he may
lawfully seize and impound when he is in immediate pursuit of such
animal, except upon premises of the owner of such animal if said owner
is present and forbids such entry.
After the impounding of any animal, the Animal
Control Officer shall proceed in accordance with the procedures outlined
in N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.16 concerning the impounding or taking of dogs
or animals into custody. In addition to any and all fees or costs
as authorized and provided for by the provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.16,
the Animal Control Officer shall be authorized to charge an initial
fee for the impounding of any said animal, together with a charge
of $4 per day during which said animal was boarded by the City of
Garfield. The boarding fee shall be automatically increased to the
maximum permissible level as established by appropriate statute. The
owner of any animal euthanized by the City of Garfield shall be responsible
for all costs associated with euthanasia and disposal.
Violations of the provisions of this article
shall be punishable by one or more of the following: a fine of not
to exceed $2,000, imprisonment for a period not to exceed 90 days,
and/or a period of community service not to exceed 90 days.