[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § I; as amended by Ord. No. 8/10/2009]
As used in this Part, unless otherwise specified, the following terms have the meaning indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
ALLOW or PERMIT
By being the owner; provider; or caregiver or anyone having control or custody of any dog, cat or other animal, or by the failure or neglect or control, a person is presumed to allow or permit a violation.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
An agent of the Township employed solely for the control of domestic and wild animals in residential areas for the control of domestic animals in rural or nonresidential areas of the Township.
ANIMALS
Wild or domesticated animals of all species, including dogs, cats and other household pets.
AUTHORITY
Being an agent for the state; county; or local authority who would have the powers to enforce the ordinances of the Township, including a police officer and the Animal Control Officer employed by the Township.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
Those animals that are considered to be, by their nature, suitable for keeping in captivity and regulated by law to be maintained in a residential zoning area, that is deemed to be owned or cared for by a responsible party and that would not be considered to be of a nuisance in such area.
HOUSEHOLD PET
Domesticated animals, including dogs, cats and other similar animals that are housed in a private residence as personal companions.
OWNER
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog or other animal, includes every person having a right of property in such dog, cat or other animal and every person who keeps or harbors such dog, cat or other animal or has it in his care, and every person who permits such dog, cat or other animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by him. Owner, keeper, or walker as hereinbefore set forth shall include the parents of any offender of the provisions hereof who shall be under the age of 18 years.
PET
An animal that is tamed or domesticated and kept as a companion or treated with kindness.
RESIDENTIAL AREA
That area that is zoned by local authority to be residential including areas within Rural Residential District, Suburban Residential District, Village District and Open Space Residential Developments.
RUNNING AT LARGE
Any domestic animal being upon any public highway, street, alley, park or any other public land, or upon property of another person other than the owner's property, and not being under physical control, i.e., tethered or confined.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § I]
It shall be a violation of this Part for any owner; lessee; renter or anyone in charge of, or having responsibility of real property in the Township to allow or permit a number of animals (household pets) to exceed six in a residential area.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § II]
An Animal Control Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors or hired pursuant to a contract approved by the Board of Supervisors to serve at the pleasure of the Board or for the term of said contract. Such Animal Control Officer, along with the North Centre Township Police Department, shall have concurrent responsibility for the enforcement of this Part and of the Pennsylvania Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § IV]
1. 
No person, having possession, custody or control of any animal or the owner of an animal over which no person exercises possession, custody or control, shall allow or permit any dog, cat or other animal, including strays, to void urine or excrement on any public or private property other than the property of the owner of such dog, cat or other animal.
A. 
Offense Defined. Any person having ownership, possession, custody or control of any dog, cat or other animal which commits a nuisance as defined in this section, shall be required to immediately remove said feces from such surface and either:
(1) 
Carry same away for disposal in a toilet.
(2) 
Place same in a non-leaking container for deposit in a trash or litter receptacle.
B. 
Exception. The provisions of this section shall not apply to a guide dog accompanying any blind person, or to a dog used to assist any physically handicapped person, or to animals used in any police or fire activities of the Township.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § V]
1. 
It shall be illegal within the Township of North Centre for any person or persons to own, possess, harbor, or control any animal or bird which makes any noise continuously and/or incessantly for a period of 10 minutes or makes such noise intermittently for one-half hour or more to the disturbance of any person any time of the day or night regardless of whether the animal or bird is physically situated in or upon private property, said noise being a nuisance; provided, that at the time the animal or bird is making such noise, no person is trespassing or threatening to trespass upon private property in or upon which the animal or bird is situated nor is there any other legitimate cause which justifiably provoked the animal or bird.
A. 
Subsequent Violations. Any owner, keeper, or person having control over any animal violating this section who is cited for this section and who fails to control the disturbance, shall be cited under the Crimes Code, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq., for the appropriate section to control the disturbance.
B. 
Exception. This Part shall not be deemed to prohibit or otherwise declare unlawful any agricultural operations protected from nuisance suits by Act No. 1982-133, 3 P.S. § 951 et seq.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § VI]
1. 
Unlawful to Allow Cats to Run at Large. Cats are "running at large" when the animal is in any public street, alley, park, or other public ground, or upon property of another person other than the owner, or when off the premises of the owner or person who has custody of said cat.
2. 
Impounding of Cat. The Animal Control Officer of the Township of North Centre may seize any cat found to be running at large in the Township of North Centre, in which case such cat shall be impounded.
3. 
Unlawful to Allow Cats to Defile Property. It shall be unlawful for the owner of any cat to allow or permit such animal to defile, corrupt or otherwise desecrate any sidewalk, walkway, public property or property of another.
4. 
Petitions for Complaining of Nuisance Cats.
A. 
Whenever any person shall complain to the Police Department or Animal Control Officer that a cat which habitually cries or howls or is otherwise being a nuisance is being kept by any person in the Township, the Police Department or Animal Control Officer shall notify the owner of said cat that a complaint has been received and the person should take whatever steps are necessary to alleviate the nuisance animal.
B. 
If the warning given to the person alleged to be keeping such a cat is ineffective, then a verified complaint of at least two persons not from the same family may be presented to the Police Department or Animal Control Officer, alleging that a cat which is a nuisance is being kept by any person within the Township. The police department or Animal Control Officer shall inform the owner of such cat that said petition has been received and shall cite the owner of the cat for the violation alleged in said petition.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § VII; as amended by Ord. No. 8/10/2009]
1. 
Residential Areas. It shall be a violation of this Part for anyone to possess or have under their control for the purpose of maintaining an animal in an area not permitted by the Township's Zoning Ordinance [Chapter 27].
A. 
Exceptions. Any animal transported through a residential area or used for police or fire use; for a parade; special event or a fund-raiser which is previously approved by the Board of Supervisors or for any emergency which may exist.
B. 
Liability. Any action pursuant from this Part shall not affect any civil litigation or aggravate or mitigate any disposition from any civil process for any damage to a person(s) property or waters.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § VIII]
1. 
Call to Duty. The Animal Control Officer shall respond within a reasonable time and may be called to duty at the discretion of the Chief of Police or officer in charge in North Centre Township.
2. 
Transportation of Animals. If it is determined that the transportation of an animal is necessary, the Animal Control Officer shall transport said animal in his/her vehicle if appropriate. If not equipped or appropriate, the Animal Control Officer may arrange transportation of said animal(s) as deemed necessary and any fees shall be charged to the owner of the animal if appropriate.
3. 
Seizure of Animals. The Animal Control Officer may seize any animal and cause that animal to be held as required pursuant to the provisions of this Part, If unable to transport an animal due to circumstances, the police or Animal Control Officer shall secure said animal until an owner or keeper of the animal can be located.
A. 
Nothing in this section shall put liability on the police or Animal Control Officer, providing this section is carried out in good faith.
4. 
Injured or Dead Animals. Upon the report of injured of dead animals in North Centre Township, if the owner is unable to be located, the Animal Control Officer will be notified and ordered to report to the scene and assume responsibility for the animal. If it is determined that charges should be placed for incidences of injury, death or mistreatment of an animal, the police department or Animal Control Officer may file a citation. Dead animals located on Township property, where the owner of the animal is unavailable, will normally be removed at the owner's expense after notification by the Animal Control Officer. PennDOT will be notified to remove dead animals from state highways.
5. 
Dangerous or Vicious Animals. Upon report to the police of a vicious animal, the Animal Control Officer will be notified to report to the scene. If the owner of the animal is unavailable or unknown, the Animal Control Officer may utilize an approved or appropriate method to subdue the animal and/or take appropriate action to insure the safety of the North Centre Township residents. A dog determined to be dangerous under § 502(a), shall be restrained or otherwise kept in accordance with Article VI-A of the Pennsylvania Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501(a) et seq. Dogs may be killed only in accordance with the requirements of § 501 of the Pennsylvania Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501, and otherwise, said dogs must be retained and delivered to the police or State or County Dog Warden. While detained, said dog must be treated in a humane manner.
6. 
Suspected Rabid Animals. Upon complaints of suspected rabid animals the Police shall notify the Animal Control Officer. If the Animal Control Officer determines that the destruction of a suspected rabid animal is necessary, such destruction must be accomplished in the least public manner possible. The head of the animal shall be preserved for analysis to confirm rabies.
7. 
Release to SPCA. When any domestic animal is detained by the Animal Control Officer, the Animal Control Officer may, at his/her discretion, keep the animal up to three days and place an ad in a local newspaper for any animal where the owner is not known. After three days, if the owner or keeper of the animal does not claim the animal, it will be released to the SPCA or other approved shelter.
8. 
Wild Animals. For complaints involving wild animals and protected animals, the Animal Control Officer shall be notified and respond to the complaint. The Animal Control Officer may determine that a State Game Official is better suited to respond to the complaint, and the Animal Control Officer will notify such an official.
[Ord. No. 3/10/2008, § IX]
1. 
Fines; Penalties; and Costs.
A. 
For the first violation of any section of this Part, the fine shall be $50.
B. 
A second violation shall be subject to a fine of $200.
C. 
A third or subsequent violation shall be subject to a fine of $500 and/or imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days.
2. 
The North Centre Township Board of Supervisors may charge any owner; keeper an appropriate cost and any charges for handling or care of such animal. The cost shall be paid directly to the North Centre Township Supervisors.
[Ord. No. 2015-03, 11/9/2015, § 1]
This Part shall be known as the "North Centre Township Poultry and Domestic Waterfowl Ordinance."
[Ord. No. 2015-03, 11/9/2015, § 2]
CONTIGUOUS LOT
Geographical land division(s) that, as a group, are not interrupted by other land or water.
COOP
A cage or small building in which poultry or domestic waterfowl are housed.
ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Ordinance Enforcement Officer, or any Officer having enforcement jurisdiction for the Township of North Centre, Columbia County.
OUTSIDE RUN
Fenced off area in which the poultry or domestic waterfowl can be kept confined and get exercise.
POULTRY and DOMESTIC WATERFOWL
Domesticated birds kept for the eggs they produce, their meat, as school or youth organization projects or sometimes as pets. These birds are members of the super order Galloanserae (fowl), especially the order Galliformes, specifically chickens, quails and turkeys, and the family Anatidae, in order Anseriformes, commonly known as "waterfowl" specifically domestic ducks and domestic geese. Poultry also includes other birds that are killed for their meat, such as the young of pigeons (known as squabs) but does not include similar wild birds hunted for sport or food and known as game, or the birds known as ostrich or peafowl.
[Ord. No. 2015-03, 11/9/2015, § 3]
The intent of this Part is to permit the residents of North Centre Township to keep poultry and domestic waterfowl for personal use in all zoning districts. It has been shown that, in limited quantities, poultry and domestic waterfowl do not pose a major health hazard, aid in providing food products for families, and under certain conditions can be kept without causing a nuisance to surrounding properties.
[Ord. No. 2015-03, 11/9/2015, § 4]
1. 
The keeping of poultry and domestic waterfowl shall be allowed by right in the Agricultural (AG), Woodland Conservation (W/C), Residential (RR and SR) and Village (V) Zoning Districts provided the following conditions are met:
A. 
Minimum lot size either owned, leased, or rented of 1/2 acre shall be required.
B. 
The lot must have an existing single family residence, or be a contiguous lot owned by the same owner as the single family residence.
C. 
Maximum Permitted Number of Poultry and Domestic Waterfowl.
(1) 
One-half acre to one acre, the maximum number permitted is six poultry or waterfowl.
(2) 
More than one acre, the maximum number permitted is 12 poultry or domestic waterfowl per acre.
D. 
Roosters may be kept in any district on a property of more than three acres and will be subject to the noise disturbance section (§ 2-106) of the Animal Ordinance (Chapter 2, Part 1, of the North Center Township Code of Ordinances).
E. 
Coops.
(1) 
A zoning permit shall be required for the construction of any coop.
(2) 
The minimum coop size shall be two square feet per bird for chickens.
(3) 
The outside run shall be enclosed in such a manner as to securely contain the poultry or domestic waterfowl.
F. 
Setbacks.
(1) 
Coops and runs shall not be within 20 feet to any side or rear property line. Coops and runs shall not be permitted within the front yard setback area.
[Ord. No. 2015-03, 11/9/2015, § 5]
1. 
The following provisions shall apply to all properties that are keeping poultry and domestic waterfowl as set forth above:
A. 
Unlawful to Allow Poultry and Domestic Waterfowl to Run at Large. It shall be unlawful for the owner(s) of any poultry and domestic waterfowl to allow their poultry and domestic waterfowl to run at large upon adjoining properties, any of the common thoroughfares, sidewalks, passageways, play areas, parks, streets, alleys, or public or private highways in North Centre Township.
B. 
Sanitary Requirements for Housing of Poultry and Domestic Waterfowl. Any owner of poultry and domestic waterfowl within the limits of the Township shall be required to house the poultry and domestic waterfowl at all times under sanitary conditions so that the keeping of poultry and domestic waterfowl shall not become either a public or private nuisance. The following provisions will apply:
(1) 
All poultry and domestic waterfowl feces accumulated on private property shall be managed according to a Manure Management Plan, in accordance with the Department of Environmental Protection's regulations.
(2) 
Poultry and domestic waterfowl feces on private property shall not be allowed to accumulate to the degree that it becomes a public health nuisance or hazard. In cases where poultry or domestic waterfowl feces does accumulate on private property, any officer having jurisdiction in the Township may conduct an investigation, after which the accumulation may be declared a public health hazard or nuisance and the owner shall be ordered to remove and dispose of the accumulated feces according to the manure management plan. The order to remove such accumulated feces shall be hand-delivered to the owner or shall be sent by certified mail. The owner shall be given a period of 48 hours from the date and time of receipt of the order to clean the property and remove the accumulated feces.
C. 
Slaughtering or Butchering. Slaughtering or butchering of poultry and domestic waterfowl for personal consumption or religious practices shall be permitted provided it is done at an approved facility, or on the property where the poultry and domestic waterfowl are kept. Any waste shall be disposed of in a proper and sanitary manner.
D. 
Slaughtering or Butchering - Commercial. No person shall slaughter or butcher any poultry or domestic waterfowl except in accordance with Chapter 27, "Zoning," Part 4, § 27-432, "Farm-Related Business."
E. 
Proper Storage of Feed. All feed, water, and other items associated with the keeping of poultry and domestic waterfowl shall be protected in a way that prevents infestation by rats, mice, other rodents or vectors. Failure to keep all feed, water, and other items associated with the keeping of poultry and domestic waterfowl in a clean and sanitary condition constitutes a violation of this Part.
[Ord. No. 2015-03, 11/9/2015, § 6]
Any owners of poultry and domestic waterfowl kept within the limits of North Centre Township violating any of the provisions of this Part shall, upon conviction thereof before the District Magistrate, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $500 and costs of prosecution at the discretion of said Magistrate and, in default of payment of such fine and costs, shall be subject to imprisonment of not more than 30 days. Repeat violations of any of the sections of this Part may result in revocation of right to keep poultry and domestic waterfowl.