As used in this chapter, the following words
shall have the meanings as indicated:
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
The designated township official authorized to conduct the
annual canvass of dogs within the township, to impound and take dogs
into custody and to destroy dogs so impounded as provided by statute,
as well as any and/or all other duties as assigned by this Code and/or
state laws/regulations.
DOG
Any dog, neutered, bitch or spayed bitch.
DOG OF LICENSING AGE
Any dog which has attained the age of seven months or which
possesses a set of permanent teeth, whichever occurs first.
KENNEL, COMMERCIAL
An establishment, licensed as a commercial kennel under this Code (Chapter
66), wherein or whereupon the business of boarding or selling dogs or breeding dogs for sale is carried on, except that a pet shop or veterinary office (as defined in this chapter) where dogs of licensing age are kept and maintained for any reason in one place or establishment shall not be deemed a commercial kennel.
[Amended 4-18-1995 by Ord. No. 95-13]
KENNEL, NONCOMMERCIAL
An establishment, licensed as a noncommercial kennel under
this chapter, where a breed or dog fancier who is a resident or owner
of the lot on which the establishment is located keeps six or more
dogs, but no more than 10 dogs, with a principal purpose of breeding
for the enhancement or perpetuation of a given breed, hunting, practice
tracking exhibit (showing) in dog shows, training for field or obedience
trials, guarding or protecting of the householder's property or person
or the householder's personal or professional enjoyment and not for
the purpose of sale.
[Amended 4-18-1995 by Ord. No. 95-13; 7-21-2020 by Ord. No.
2020-05]
OWNER
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, means and includes
every person having a right of property in such dog and every person
who has such a dog in his/her keeping.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association
of persons.
PET SHOP
Any room or group of rooms, cage or exhibition pen not part
of a kennel wherein dogs for sale are kept or displayed.
POUND
An establishment for confinement of dogs whether seized under
provisions of this chapter or otherwise.
SHELTER
Any establishment where dogs are received, housed and distributed
without charge.
TOWNSHIP
The Township of Washington, in the County of Warren.
VETERINARIAN
One who is registered and licensed in the State of New Jersey
to practice veterinary medicine or surgery.
VETERINARY OFFICE
An establishment where dogs are received, housed and discharged
after being cared for by a New Jersey veterinarian, as defined above.
Any dog which has attacked or bitten any human
being or which habitually attacks other dogs or domestic animals is
hereby defined a vicious dog for the purposes of this section. It
shall be the duty of the Animal Control Officer or designee to receive
and investigate complaints against dogs, and, when any dog complained
against shall be deemed by such Animal Control Officer or designee
to be a vicious dog, as herein defined, said officer or designee shall
report the facts to the Municipal Court, which shall thereupon cause
the owner or person harboring such dog to be notified in writing of
the complaint against such dog and to appear before said Court at
a stated time and place. The Court, at the time set for such hearing,
shall inquire into the facts and give all interested persons an opportunity
to be heard under oath and to be represented by counsel, if desired.
If the Court so determines the dog in question to be a vicious dog,
said dog shall be destroyed or muzzled, at the discretion of the Court.
[Added 5-19-1998 by Ord. No. 98-12]
A. "Pet shop" is hereby defined as a 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.
B. Any pet shop which shall be operated within the township
shall be subject to the provisions of this section in order to conduct
its operations, including the necessity of a license.
C. The township shall promulgate an application for any
pet shop operator. Said application shall include but not be limited
to the following:
(1) Name, address/location and telephone number of the
pet shop.
(2) Name, address and age of the owner of the pet shop.
(3) Area in which any dog cages will be located within
the pet shop.
(4) Information as to vaccination and animal cruelty.
(5) Types/kinds of other pets to be sold in the pet shop.
(6) Certification of approvals from the Warren County
Board of Health/Health Department, Washington Township Animal Control
Officer, Washington Township Police Department and the Washington
Township Zoning Officer, as well as the Washington Township Planning
Board/Washington Township Zoning Board of Adjustment, if applicable.
D. Prior to the issuance of a license, whether initial
or renewal, the Warren County Board of Health/Health Department must
inspect the pet shop and certify that the pet shop is in compliance
with N.J.A.C. 8:23A-1.1 through N.J.A.C. 8:23A-1.13, as may be amended
and supplemented from time to time.
E. Any pet shop license shall be for a one-year duration,
running from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Any license
application that shall occur after July 1 shall only be for the period
in question until the following June 30, and the license fee shall
cover the license term, whether for the full term or partial. The
license fee, whether for an initial license or a renewal license,
shall be $175. Failure to apply for a license shall result in a $25
per month late penalty for each month after July 1. Said license must
be approved by the Township Committee prior to its issuance.