As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
A certified municipal animal control officer or, in the absence
of such an officer, the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality
or his/her designee.
DOG
Any dog or dog hybrid.
POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS DOG
Any dog or dog hybrid declared potentially dangerous by a
Municipal Court pursuant to P.L. 1989, c. 307 (N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et
seq.), as amended and supplemented.
VICIOUS DOG
Any dog or dog hybrid declared vicious by a Municipal Court
pursuant to P.L. 1989, c. 307, as amended and supplemented.
The purpose of this article is to adopt, by reference, all provisions
of N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 through 4:19-35, as amended and supplemented,
which is the uniform set of state requirements on the owners of vicious
or potentially dangerous dogs.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-26, if a dog is to be declared vicious
or potentially dangerous by a Municipal Court, and all appeals pertaining
thereto have been exhausted, the owner of the dog shall be liable
to the Township of Eastampton for any costs and expenses incurred
by the Township in the impoundment or destruction of the dog. Such
costs could include veterinary, shelter, medical attention required,
maintenance expenses, special costs to the Township for Animal Control
Officer charges, transportation, postage and noticing costs, related
legal expenses, and an administrative fee of $20. The owner shall
incur the expense of impounding the dog in a facility other than the
municipal pound, regardless of whether the dog is ultimately found
to be vicious or potentially dangerous.
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-28f, in addition to any license fee
required pursuant to N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.3, there shall be an annual
fee of $700 for a potentially dangerous dog license and each renewal
thereof.
Violations of this article shall be punishable as provided in Chapter
1, Article
II, Penalties for Violations.