There is hereby created the position of Municipal Humane Law
Enforcement Officer for the Borough of Hawthorne in accordance with
N.J.S.A. 4:22-14.1 et seq.
The Mayor, upon recommendation of the Chief of Police, shall
appoint a Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer for a term of one
year, commencing on January 1 and ending on December 31 of each year,
or until a successor has been duly named and appointed. To the extent
the individual(s) appointed to serve in such position are employed
by an entity performing animal control services in the Borough, the
cessation of employment with such entity may constitute grounds for
termination of any appointment hereunder, at the election of the Mayor.
In such event, the Mayor may make a replacement appointment to such
position for the remainder of the current term.
The Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer shall exercise
the following powers and duties, including, but not limited to:
A. Enforcement of all animal welfare or animal cruelty laws of the State
of New Jersey or Borough of Hawthorne.
B. Investigate and sign complaints concerning any violation of an animal
welfare or animal cruelty law of the State of New Jersey or Borough
of Hawthorne.
C. Act as an officer for the detection, apprehension and arrest of offenders
against the animal welfare and animal cruelty laws of the State of
New Jersey and ordinances adopted by the Borough of Hawthorne.
D. Comply with provisions of Chapter 22 of Title 4 of the New Jersey
Revised Statutes, N.J.S.A. 4:22-14.1 et seq.
E. Such other duties as may be assigned or acquired by law or ordinance.
The Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer shall have the
authority to possess, carry and use a firearm while enforcing the
laws and ordinances enacted for the protection of animals, provided
that such officer qualifies and maintains all certification and training
requirements pursuant to law. In the event occasion arises which may
require use of a firearm, the Hawthorne Police Department shall be
contacted by the Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer as soon
as possible.
The Municipal Humane Law Enforcement Officer shall receive such
compensation as may be fixed and determined from time to time either
in the annual salary ordinance or by contract as the case may be.