As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
OWNER
Any person designated as an owner on a dog license filed
with a Town or Village Clerk or other licensing municipality, or any
person harboring or having the care, custody or charge of any dog,
or any person who allows or permits a dog to remain habitually on
or about any premises occupied by him. More than one person may qualify
as an owner pursuant to this article.
RUNNING AT LARGE
Any dog roaming, wandering, walking or running off of the
property of its owner.
No owner shall allow or permit any dog to run at large within
the corporate limits of the Village of Middleport unless effectively
restricted or controlled by a person capable of controlling said dog
by means of a leash not exceeding 10 feet in length.
Any dog running at large within the corporate limits of the
Village of Middleport in violation of this chapter may be seized and
impounded by the Code Enforcement Officer, other individual designated
by the Village Board, or any police officer in accordance with Article
7 of the Agriculture and Markets Law of the State of New York.
The Code Enforcement Officer, other individual designated by
the Village Board, or any police officer may enforce the provisions
of this article.
A violation of this article shall constitute an offense punishable
by a fine of not more than $250 or imprisonment for not more than
15 days or both such fine and imprisonment.
The Village Board finds that harboring of farm animals and excessive
number of domestic pets within the corporate boundaries of the Village
of Middleport would negatively affect the quality of life of Village
residents and could subject Village residents to certain nuisances,
unsanitary conditions and potential health issues, diminution of property
values, public health, safety and the public's general welfare.
Further, close proximity of properties in the Village does not provide
sufficient space for the healthy atmosphere for the animals. This
article is enacted for the purpose of promoting the public health,
safety and general welfare of the residents of the Village of Middleport.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
DOMESTIC PET
Any animal that is not included in the definition of "farm
animal" and that is domesticated and/or tamed, is kept for the purpose
of companionship or amusement, and is cared for affectionately, including
but not limited to dogs, cats, and rabbits.
FARM ANIMAL
Any animal of a barnyard nature, or that is normally raised
or kept on a farm, including but not limited to chickens, goats, cattle,
horses, donkeys, mules, ponies, fowl, water fowl, turkeys, swine,
sheep, llamas, and alpacas, but excluding cats, dogs, and pet rabbits.
HARBOR
Any housing of, providing living arrangements for, maintenance
of, feeding of, keeping of, or caring for any animal for longer than
24 hours.
The Code Enforcement Officer, other individual designated by
the Village Board, or any police officer may enforce the provisions
of this article.
A violation of this article shall constitute an offense punishable
by a fine of not more than $250 or imprisonment for not more than
15 days or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day's continued
violation shall constitute a separate offense.