[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007]
As used in this Part, the following terms have the meaning indicated,
unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context.
Any person having a right of property in any animal or having
custody of any animal, or any person who harbors or permits an animal
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 animal.
[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007; as amended by Ord. 13-09, 12/12/2013]
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to allow or
permit such animal to run at large in the Township of Susquehanna.
In order to avoid attracting wild animals or domestic animals allowed
to run free, it shall be unlawful to place food for such animals in
public areas or on property owned or possessed privately, which food
is not contained in a manner which would avoid attracting such animals
by smell or availability. This prohibition with regard to food shall
not prohibit standard bird feeders properly installed so as to discourage
the attraction of any animals other than the birds intended to be
fed thereby. It shall be lawful to feed feral cats or other wild animals
as part of a trap, neuter and release program or other program approved
by resolution of the Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners and
with the supervision and authorization of the Susquehanna Township
Health Officer of his or her designee and in compliance with the rules
issued by the Susquehanna Township Health Officer.
[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007]
Any police officer or animal warden may seize any animal found
in the Township. Such animals are to be impounded.
[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007]
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.
[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007]
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.
[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007]
Animals that, in the opinion of any police officer or animal
warden, constitute a threat to public health and welfare may be killed
by the police or animal warden.
[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007]
1.
The first two times an animal is seized, the owner shall pay a fine
of $15 to the Township of Susquehanna as well as reasonable fees for
keeping the animal in a kennel.
2.
Any person allowing an animal to run at large a third time in violation
of this Part shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a
fine of not more than $600 and costs, or in default of payment thereof,
shall be subject to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days.
[Ord. 07-04, 3/8/2007]
An Animal Control Officer (Dog Warden or some other title) shall
be appointed by the Board of Commissioners from time to time. Such
officer shall have the power and responsibility for the enforcement
of this Part and of the Dog Law of 1982 (3 P.S. § 459-101
et seq., as hereinafter amended, supplemented, modified or reenacted
by the General Assembly of Pennsylvania), provided that he shall not
have the power to make arrests under this Act of Assembly or any other
Act of Assembly or ordinance of the Township of Susquehanna.
