[Adopted 7-13-1992 by Ord. No. 1775]
As used in this article, the following terms have the meaning indicated,
unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
A line, collar, chain or other device of sufficient strength for
leading or restraining an animal not exceeding 10 feet in length.
Any person having a right of property in any dog or having custody
of any dog, (this includes a "keeper" or a "handler"), or any person who harbors
or permits a dog to remain on or around his or her property.
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 dog.
It shall be unlawful to the owner of any dog or dogs to allow or permit
such dog or dogs to run at large in the Township, abandon or intend to abandon
any dog. While such dogs are at large, the owner is responsible for any damages
caused by said animal(s). All dogs are required to be on a leash when not
on the owner's property.
Any police officer or dog warden may seize any dog found at large in
the Township. Such dogs are to be impounded at a licensed kennel.
Owners of licensed dogs are to be notified by registered or certified
mail, with return receipt, that the dog is impounded and will be disposed
of in five days if not claimed. Five days after the return receipt has been
received, and the dog has not been claimed, the dog may be sold or destroyed
in accordance with the Pennsylvania State Dog Laws.
Unlicensed dogs that are seized are to be held in such kennel for 48
hours and if not claimed may be destroyed in accordance with the Pennsylvania
State Dog Laws.
Dogs that, in the opinion of any police officer or dog warden, constitute
a threat to public health and welfare may be killed by the police or dog warden,
pursuant to the Pennsylvania State Dog Laws.
It shall be the duty of the Whitehall Township Police Department or
any Township appointed dog warden to enforce the provisions of this Code.
[Amended 8-8-2005 by Ord. No. 2578]
Penalties for violation of the provisions of this article shall be in
accordance with the Pennsylvania Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq.
The first two times the dog is seized the owners shall pay a reasonable kennel
fee (minimum of $5). Subsequent to those first two occurrences, the owners
shall pay a fine of $25 to the Township as well as reasonable kennel fees
for keeping the animal (minimum of $5). In addition, for third and subsequent
violations of this article, upon conviction thereof, the owner or owners of
said dog shall be sentenced to a fine not to exceed $600 plus costs and reasonable
kennel fees and, in default of payment of said fine, costs and reasonable
kennel fees, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days.
