[Ord. 88, 1/23/1996, § 1; as amended by Ord. 05-112,
7/26/2005]
1.
Harboring. It shall be unlawful for any person knowing to keep any
dog which habitually barks, howls or yelps to the great discomfort
of the peace and quiet of the neighborhood who are of ordinary sensibilities.
Such dogs are hereby declared to be a public nuisance.
2.
Petitions Complaining of Barking Dogs.
A.
Whenever any person shall complain to the Police Department that
a dog habitually barks, howls or yelps is being kept by any person
in the Township, the Police Department shall notify the owner of said
dog that a complaint has been received and that the person should
take whatever steps necessary to alleviate the barking, yelping or
howling.
B.
If the warning given to the person alleged to be keeping a dog set
forth in Subsection 2A above is ineffective, then a verified complaint
of at least two citizens, not from the same family, may be presented
to the Police Department, alleging that a dog which habitually barks,
howls or yelps is being kept by any person within the Township. The
Police Department shall inform the owner of such dog that a petition
has been received and shall cite the owner of the dog for the violation
alleged in said petition.
C.
Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of
this Part, upon conviction thereof in an action brought before a district
justice in the manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses
under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, shall be sentenced
to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 plus costs and, in default of
payment of said fine and costs, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed
90 days. Each day that a violation of this Part continues or each section
of this Part which shall be found to have been violated shall constitute
a separate offense.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
As used in this Part, the following terms shall have the meaning
indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, includes every
person having a right of property in such dog, and every person who
keeps or harbors such dog or has it in his care, and every person
who permits such dog to remain on or about any premises occupied by
him.
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.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
A dog warden shall be appointed by Board of Supervisors to serve
during its pleasure. Such dog warden along with the police officers/constable
shall have concurrent responsibility for the enforcement of this Part
and of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. 459-101 et seq.; 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.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
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.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
The dog warden or any police officer or constable may seize
any dog found at large in Township. Such dogs are to be impounded
in a licensed kennel.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
The Chief of Police/constable shall notify the owner of a licensed
dog 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 Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-302.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
Unlicensed dogs that are seized shall be held in such kennel
for 48 hours and if not claimed may be destroyed in accordance with
the Dog Law, 3 P.S. 459-303.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
1.
A dog determined to be dangerous under § 502-A of the Dog
Law, 3 P.S. § 459-502A, shall be restrained or otherwise
kept in accordance with Article VI-A of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501A
et seq.
2.
Dogs may be killed only in accordance with the requirements of § 501
of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501, and otherwise, said dogs
must be detained and delivered to the police or a state dog warden.
While detained, said dog must be treated in a humane manner.
[Ord. 05-112, 7/26/2005]
1.
The first two times a dog is seized, the owner shall pay a fine of
$15 to the Township as well as reasonable fees for keeping the animal
in a kennel in an amount as established from time to time by resolution
of the Board of Supervisors.
2.
Any person allowing a dog 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 $1,000 plus costs and, in default of payment
of said fines and cost, to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30
days.
