An ordinance to preserve the peace and to protect the public
health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Lawrence Township, Van
Buren County, Michigan, by regulating noise generated by barking dogs;
to provide for enforcement; and to provide sanctions for the violation
hereof.
This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Lawrence Township
Barking Dog Ordinance."
It is the purpose of this chapter to prevent, reduce or eliminate
nuisance conditions related to noise created by barking dogs in Lawrence
Township by providing a means of enforcement and sanctions for continuation
of such nuisance conditions.
It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, partnership, corporation
or other entity, however described, to keep, harbor or permit a dog
which, because of frequent or habitual barking, yelping, howling,
whining or other loud noises, causes an annoyance amounting to nuisance
in the neighborhood where such dog is kept. For purposes of this chapter,
a "nuisance" is defined as the unreasonable or unlawful use of property
which, because of noise, causes injury, damage or annoyance to a neighbor
or a disturbance in the neighborhood.
The provisions of this chapter shall be enforced by the Township official designated by resolution of the Township Board. The enforcement officer shall have the discretion to give a warning to an offender prior to issuing a formal municipal civil infraction citation. Chapter
25, Municipal Civil Infractions, shall control procedures used in enforcing this chapter, except as otherwise expressly provided herein.
The various parts, sections and clauses of this chapter are
hereby declared to be severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph,
section or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court
of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the chapter shall not
be affected thereby.
This chapter shall become effective 30 days after its adoption
and publication. Upon its effective date, this chapter supersedes
and repeals prior ordinances.