Borough of Catasauqua, PA Article II Regulations for the Keeping of Pigeons

[Adopted 3-4-1985 by Ord. No. 883 (Ch. II, Part 2, of the 1962 Code)]

§ 105-5 Definitions.

As used in this article, the following shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:

CARRIER PIGEON

Homing and racing pigeons which have the name of the owner stamped upon the wing or tail, or are banded upon the leg with the name or initials of the owner or with an identification or registration number stamped on the band.

LOFT

Any structure in which carrier pigeons are housed.

RACING PIGEON

Any pigeon registered with any national pigeon racing organization.

§ 105-6 Permit requirements.

A. The Animal Control Officer shall issue a carrier pigeon permit to the owner of any carrier pigeons if:

(1) Identification marks stamped on each carrier pigeon or band are recorded with the Borough of Catasauqua;

(2) The loft is found on inspection to be in compliance with regulations prescribed by the Borough of Catasauqua and is maintained in a clean, orderly condition and kept in good repair; and

(3) The construction of a loft complies with the Borough of Catasauqua's building code regulations.

B. The requirements of the Borough of Catasauqua's Zoning Ordinance[1] relating to restrictions on the location of stables and poultry enclosures shall not apply to a loft for which a permit has been issued.

[1] Editor's Note: See Ch. 280, Zoning.

C. The owner of any carrier pigeons shall pay an annual fee for a carrier pigeon permit as determined by the Borough of Catasauqua pursuant to resolution[2] and no permit as required by this article shall be issued until the prescribed fee shall have been paid. The Borough of Catasauqua shall keep a record of all permits issued under this article.

[2] Editor's Note: See Ch. A285, Fees.

§ 105-7 Issuance of permit authorizes loft construction.

Any person to whom the Animal Control Officer has issued a carrier pigeon permit may erect and maintain a loft of carrier or racing pigeons in the Borough of Catasauqua.

§ 105-8 Exercise and training.

Any owner of carrier pigeons, to whom the Animal Control Officer has issued a carrier pigeon permit, or person acting for him, having in his charge or possession and under his restraint and control carrier pigeons, shall be allowed to fly the pigeons for necessary exercise and training, but not more at any one time than 25 pairs.

§ 105-9 Inspection of pigeons and lofts.

Any owner of carrier pigeons to whom the Board has issued a carrier pigeon permit shall permit employees or officials of the Borough of Catasauqua and the Board to enter upon their property for the purpose of making an inspection of pigeons and lofts at reasonable times.

§ 105-10 Violations and penalties.

[Amended 4-1-2013 by Ord. No. 1288]

Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine not exceeding $300; and/or undergo imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days. Each day that a violation of this article continues shall constitute a separate offense. Any person found guilty of violating an ordinance shall be assessed court costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the Borough in the enforcement proceedings.