This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Middle Smithfield
Township Dog Ordinance."
Upon receiving a complaint or information that a dog is doing
any of the acts prohibited by this chapter, a Constable, County Dog
Warden, Police Officer, or Township Enforcement Officer (collectively,
"law enforcement officer"), are authorized to make investigation,
and if the complaint or information is found to be true, file a summary
citation against the owner of the dog. In conjunction with any proceeding
under this chapter, or upon complaint or information otherwise received,
the law enforcement officer shall investigate and take appropriate
action to enforce all provisions of the Pennsylvania Dog Law, Act
of December 7, 1982, P.L. 784, 3 P.S. 459-101, et seq., and amendments
thereto, in accordance with, and to the extent allowed by, the provisions
of said law.
Any law enforcement officer may seize any dog found at large
in the Township. Such dogs are to be impounded and/or can be picked
up at the impoundment by the State Dog Warden.
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 Dog Law.
Any person who shall violate any of the provisions' of
this chapter shall, upon conviction in a summary proceeding brought
in the name of the Township, before a district justice in the same
manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the
Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure, be sentenced to pay a fine
of not less than $100, and not more than $1,000, and costs of prosecution
and restitution, and shall be subject to imprisonment in the County
Jail for not more than 90 days, provided that each day's violation
of any of the provisions of this chapter shall constitute a separate
offense.