As used in this article, the following terms have the meaning indicated, unless different
meaning clearly appears from the context:
OWNER
Any person having a right of property in any dog or having
custody of any dog, or any person who harbors or permits a dog to
remain on or around his or her property.
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 dog.
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog or dogs to allow
or permit such dog or dogs to run at large in the Township.
Any police officer or dog warden may seize any dog found at
large in the Township. Such dogs are to be impounded in 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 1982 Dog Law.
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 1982 Dog Law.
Dogs that, in the opinion of any police officer or dog warden,
constitutes a threat to public health and welfare may be killed by
the police or dog warden.
[Amended 12-8-1988 by Ord. No. 465]
A. The first two times a dog is seized, the owner shall pay a fine of
$50 to the Township as well as reasonable fees, plus S.P.C.A. boarding,
handling, and transportation fees as established from time to time
by resolution of Council.
B. Any person allowing an animal to run at large a third time in violation
of this article shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay
a fine of not less than $50 for the first offense, $50 for the second
offense, $100 for the third offense and $200 for the fourth and subsequent
offense, and not more than $600 together with the costs of prosecution,
and, in default of payment of such fine and costs to imprisonment
for a term not to exceed 30 days. In addition to any fine, the violator
will be subject to pay any reasonable fees, plus S.P.C.A. boarding,
handling, and transportation fees as indicated.