[Adopted 4-3-2001 by Ord. No. 2674 (Ch.
71, Art. I, of the 1978 Code)]
A.
It shall be unlawful for any person keeping or harboring
animals to fail to keep the premises where such animals are located
free from excessive animal waste and offensive odors to the extent
that such waste and odors disturb persons residing or located within
20 feet of the premises. It shall be unlawful to allow the premises
where animals are kept to become unclean and a threat to the public
health by failing to diligently and systematically remove all animal
waste from the premises.
B.
If animals are kept outdoors, access to shelter that
supplies protection from weather shall be provided. Whenever the real
or effective temperatures are 40° F. and lower, shelter shall
be provided. Shelters shall be well constructed and appropriate for
the species. The animal's age, physical condition and hair coat shall
be considered when determining whether available shelter is proper.
The Animal Control Officer and governing body shall be empowered to
make such determination.
C.
Should the property restrictions, environment or mitigating
circumstances prevail and the animal must be tethered or tied outdoors,
the confinement on the tether shall be no more than eight hours during
any twenty-four-hour period. The tether must be at least 15 feet in
length and positioned to prevent tangling and banging. The tethered
dog must wear a properly fitted harness or buckle-type collar. No
dog shall remain outdoors in temperatures below 32° F. during
the night or for extended periods in inclement weather unless the
owner of the dog has demonstrated to the Animal Control Officer that
by the breed of the animal and the animal's acclamation, the animal
can withstand such circumstances with no harm to the animal. In no
instance shall a dog less than five months of age be left or permitted
to remain outside for extended periods of time.
The shelter shall have these minimum specifications:
A.
A roof, enclosed sides, a doorway and a solid level
floor raised at least two inches from the ground.
B.
An entryway protected by a self-closing door, and
offset outer door or a flexible flap made of windproof material.
C.
Bedding such as cedar shavings, straw or other nonabsorbent
material in sufficient quantity for insulation against cold and damp.
Bedding shall be kept dry.
D.
One hundred fifty square feet of pen space for each
dog kept therein which is five months of age or older.
No animal sacrifice shall be permitted to be
performed in the Township. No owner shall fail to provide his animal
with sufficient good and wholesome food and water in suitable containers.
Proper shelter, protection from weather, veterinary care and humane
care and treatment shall also be provided. No one shall abandon an
animal within the Township. No animal shall be subjected to unnecessary
suffering and cruelty such as exposing animals to prolonged fear,
injury, pain or physical abuse. Animals shall have interaction with
humans and other animals whenever possible. Appropriate adherence
to these standards shall be determined by the Animal Control Officer.
It shall be the duty of every person within
the municipality to report any instances of animal cruelty to the
Animal Control Officer. Any person who, as the operator of a motor
vehicle, accidentally strikes an animal shall stop and render such
assistance as may be possible, provided that same can be accomplished
safely and without danger to pedestrians or other motorists. The operator
shall promptly report such injury or death to the appropriate law
enforcement agency, the animal control center or a local humane society.
The operator shall also promptly report such injury or death to the
animal's owner, if known.
[Amended 5-4-2021 by Ord. No. 3471]
Any person violating any provision of this article, except the
section entitled "Duties of citizens," shall, upon conviction, be
liable for a fine of up to $500 for the first offense, up to $1,000
for the second offense and up to $5,000 and from five to 90 days in
jail for the third and subsequent offenses.
