As used in this chapter, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly
appears from the context:
ANIMAL
Wild or domesticated animal(s) of all species, including
dogs, cats and other household pets.
OWNER
When applied to an animal, includes any person or persons
having a right of property in such animal; and/or any person or persons
who keeps or harbors such animal and/or has cared for it; and/or any
person or persons who permits such animal to be on or about any premises
owned and/or occupied by him.
RUN AT LARGE or RUNNING AT LARGE
Being upon any public highway, street, alley, park, or any
other public land, or upon property of another person other than the
owner, and not being accompanied by or under the control of the owner
or any other person having custody of said animal.
One or more animal control officer(s) may be
appointed by the Board of Supervisors or hired pursuant to a contract
approved by the Board of Supervisors to serve at the pleasure of the
Board or for the term of said contract. Such animal control officer(s)
along with any police officer, as defined in the Pennsylvania Dog
Law, 3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq., shall have concurrent responsibility
for the enforcement of this chapter and of the Pennsylvania Dog Law,
provided that the animal control officer shall not have the power
to make arrests under said Act of Assembly or any other Act of Assembly
or any ordinance of Chadds Ford Township.
The first two times an owner of an animal is
issued a citation and is found to have violated the provisions of
this chapter, the owner of such animal shall pay a fine in an amount
up to $100 to Chadds Ford Township as well as any fees and/or costs
incurred by the Township or its animal control officer for responding
to the request or complaint and to keep the animal in a kennel or
other structure, for pickup and transporting the animal to the Delaware
County SPCA or other facility, and for enforcement proceedings. For
each and every violation of this chapter other than for the first
two times an animal is seized for running at large or for any other
reason as provided in the chapter, the owner of the animal involved
shall, upon conviction by the Magisterial District Judge, be guilty
of a summary offense and subject to a fine of not more than $1,000;
and/or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 90 days.