As used in this article, the following terms have the meanings
indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER (ACO)
Any person or legal entity with whom the Borough enters into
a contract or agreement for the control of animals in the Borough,
who shall enforce the Borough's animal ordinances and applicable
state laws. For the purposes of this article, any employee of a legal
entity hired by the Borough to enforce this article shall be considered
an Animal Control Officer.
OWNER
Any person having a right of property in any dog or having
custody of any dog, or 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 a person other then 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 Borough.
Any police officer or animal control officer may seize any dog
found at large in the Borough. Such dogs are to be impounded in a
licensed kennel.
Dogs must be confined at all times, either within the premises
of the owner or firmly secured by means of a collar and chain or other
device so that it cannot stray beyond the premises from which it is
secured.
No person shall own, keep, harbor or bring into the Borough
any animal, including a dog, unless such animal is licensed as required
by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The owner of an animal is required
to have a license tag affixed to the animal's collar at all times.
An owner may not transfer a license or license tag issued for one
animal to another animal.
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 10 days if not claimed. Ten 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,
as amended.
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, as amended.
Dogs that, in the opinion of any police officer or animal control
officer, constitute a threat to public health and welfare may be killed
by the police or animal control officer.