[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of South
Hadley 1-11-2017 STM by Art. 14. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
The owner of a pet/domesticated animal shall be responsible for the
removal of any fecal matter deposited by his/her pet(s)/domesticated
animal(s) on public walks, recreation areas, private property of another
and trails on property under the jurisdiction of the Conservation
Commission. The term "owner" as used in this section shall include
the person(s) who control(s) the pet/domesticated animal.
B.
The owner accompanying a pet/domesticated animal in a public walk,
street, recreation area or private property of another shall possess
the means of removal of any fecal matter deposited by the pet/domesticated
animal. For purposes of this section, the means of removal shall include
any tool, implement or other device carried for the purpose of picking
up and containing such fecal matter. Disposal shall be accomplished
by transporting such fecal matter to a place suitable for the disposal
of pet/domesticated animal fecal matter or otherwise as designated
as appropriate by the Director of the Board of Health.
[Amended 5-8-2019 ATM by Art. 15]
No owner of a pet/domesticated animal shall allow the pet/domesticated animal to roam at large upon a public walk or street or upon the private property of another, except on the premises of another person with the actual knowledge and permission of such other person. All pets/domesticated animals not on the premises of their owner or the private property of another person with the knowledge and permission of such person shall be restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding 12 feet in length. A public park specifically designed for dogs and their owners and allowed under § 315-4.5 of the South Hadley Code will be exempt from the provisions of this section, within the premises of said dog park.
No owner of a pet/domesticated animal shall allow the pet/domesticated
animal to enter upon any Town playground area and athletic field.
The foregoing shall not apply to guide or service dogs.
Failure to comply with provisions of this bylaw or any part
thereof may result in a first offense fine of $50, and a second or
additional violation of this bylaw within a two-year period may result
in a fine of up to $300. The enforcement of this penalty is given
to the Health Department, Police Department and/or the Animal Control
Officer. A hearing for appeal of this bylaw can be made to the South
Hadley Board of Health. Uncollected fines may be levied against future
licenses or permits if unpaid.
As used in this bylaw, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
Includes, but not limited to, dogs, pigs, monkeys or any
animal which is kept for companionship, entertainment, or deemed by
the Health Department through consultation with the Animal Control
Officer and/or the Building Commissioner, when appropriate, to be
defined as a pet/domestic animal.
