For the purpose of this article, the following terms shall have
the meanings set forth in this section. When not inconsistent with
the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words
in the plural number include the singular, words in the singular number
include the plural, and words in the male gender include the female
gender.
ABANDONED
An owner or caregiver has forsaken a domesticated cat entirely,
or has neglected or refused to provide care and support to the cat.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Any person employed or appointed by the Township who is authorized
to investigate violations of laws and regulations concerning animals,
and to issue citations in accordance with New Jersey law and this
Code.
CAREGIVER
Any person who provides food, water or shelter to or otherwise
cares for a cat.
DOMESTICATED CAT
A cat that is socialized to humans and is appropriate as
a companion for humans.
EAR TIPPING
Straight-line cutting of the tip of the left ear of a cat
while the cat is anesthetized.
FERAL CAT
A cat that exists in a wild or untamed state, either due
to birth or reversion to a wild state from domestication. The usual
and consistent temperament of a feral cat is extreme fear and resistance
to contact with humans. Feral cats are completely or substantially
unsocialized to humans.
FERAL CAT COLONY
A group of cats that congregates, more or less, together
as a unit. Although not every cat in a colony may be feral, any nonferal
cats that congregate with a colony shall be deemed to be a part of
it.
NUISANCE
Disturbing the peace by:
A.
Habitually or continually howling, crying or screaming; or
B.
The habitual and significant destruction, desecration or soiling
of property against the wishes of the owner of the property.
OWNER
Any person, firm, corporation, partnership, association,
trust, estate, or any other legal entity.
RESCUE GROUP
A for-profit or not-for-profit entity or a collaboration
of individuals with at least one of its purposes being the adoption
or placement of cats in homes with humans to serve as companion animals.
STRAY CAT
A cat that is regularly off the property of the owner, is
not under the physical control and restraint of the owner and is not
regularly provided with food by its owner.
SUITABLE SHELTER
Shelter that provides protection from rain, sun, and other
elements that is adequate to protect the health of the cat.
TNR
Trap, neuter and return.
TNR PROGRAM
A program pursuant to which feral and stray cats are trapped,
neutered or spayed, vaccinated against rabies and returned to the
location where they congregate.
ZOONOTIC DISEASE
Those diseases transmittable to humans from animals, including
parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral diseases.