The purpose of this article is to permit the implementation
of a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program in Irvington Township to reduce
the population of feral cats, benefitting public health, improving
the quality of life for residents, and ensuring the humane treatment
of feral cats.
For the purpose of this article, the following terms, phrases,
words and their derivations shall have the meanings stated herein
unless their use in the text of this article clearly demonstrates
a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words
used in the present tense include the future, words used in the plural
number include the singular, words used in the singular number include
the plural number, and words in the male gender include the female
gender. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.
ABANDON
To forsake a cat entirely or neglect to provide appropriate
care and support for a cat.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
Any person employed or appointed by the Township who is authorized
to investigate violations of laws and regulations concerning animals,
and to issue citations in accordance with New Jersey law and the Township
Code.
CARETAKER
Any person who provides food, water or shelter to or otherwise
cares for a cat, and who has been appropriately trained as a caregiver.
DOMESTICATED CAT
A cat that is a companion to a person, is regularly fed and
sheltered in that same person's habitation and carries visible indicia
or ownership, including a collar or tag.
EAR TIPPING
Straight-line cutting of the tip of the left ear of a cat
by a licensed veterinarian while the cat is anesthetized.
FERAL CAT
A cat that is completely or substantially unsocialized to
humans and is not an owned or licensed cat.
FERAL CAT COLONY
A group of feral or stray cats that congregate together outside
as a unit and share a common food source.
NUISANCE
Conduct by feral or stray cats that disturb the peace or
causes any condition that threatens or endangers the health, safety,
or well-being of persons or other animals, including but not limited
to:
A.
Habitually or continually howling, crying or screaming;
B.
Molesting or interfering with persons in the public right-of-way;
C.
The habitual and significant destruction, desecration or soiling
of property against the wishes of the owner of the property; or
D.
Attacking or injuring persons or domestic animals.
STRAY CAT
A cat that is socialized to humans and is not an owned cat.
SUITABLE SHELTER
A structure that provides feral and stray cats with protection
from the sun, cold, rain and other weather-related elements to protect
the health of the cats.
TNR
The method of managing feral and stray cats known as "trap,
neuter and return."
TNR PROGRAM
A municipal program pursuant to which feral and stray cats
are trapped, neutered or spayed, vaccinated against rabies, ear-tipped,
and returned to the location where they were captured or congregate
by a caretaker in accordance with this article.
TOWNSHIP
Township of Irvington in the County of Essex, New Jersey,
or any agent acting on behalf of the Township of Irvington.
A TNR Program shall be permitted, and caretakers shall be entitled
to maintain feral cat colonies in accordance with the terms and conditions
of this article.
It shall be the responsibility of a caretaker to:
A. Make reasonable efforts to trap all cats in a registered colony and
have all trapped cats neutered or spayed, vaccinated against rabies
and ear-tipped by a licensed veterinarian, as deemed medically necessary;
B. Keep and maintain vaccination, neuter/spay, and medical records for
all trapped cats and provide the Township with copies of vaccination
and neuter/spay records for all trapped cats upon request;
C. Provide adequate food and water on a regular basis to colony cats
and make reasonable efforts to ensure suitable shelter for colony
cats;
D. Obtain proper medical attention for any colony cat that appears to
require it;
E. Make reasonable efforts to remove and place stray cats and kittens
born to colony cats after they have been weaned in homes, foster homes,
or with animal shelters, rescue organizations or veterinary offices
for the purpose of subsequent permanent placement;
F. Make reasonable efforts to work with the Irvington Health Department
via the Animal Control Officer(s) to resolve any complaints over the
conduct of the caretaker or of colony cats managed by the caretaker.
If an Animal Control Officer determines that an ear-tipped feral
colony cat is causing a nuisance as defined by this article, or state
law, the caretaker must begin nuisance abatement procedures within
48 hours after being notified of a nuisance by the Township and must
take all reasonable steps to resolve the nuisance in as short a time
period as possible, not to exceed 30 days.
An Animal Control Officer that has trapped or received an ear-tipped
cat from within the municipality shall take reasonable steps to notify
the caretaker of the description and gender of the cat and of the
address or location where the cat was captured. The caretaker shall
have up to three business days to arrange for the cat to be retrieved
from the temporary animal holding facility identified by the Animal
Control Officer.