This article establishes requirements for the proper disposal
of pet solid waste in the Borough of Merchantville, so as to protect
public health, safety and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for
failure to comply.
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 number, and words used in the singular
number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always mandatory
and not merely directory.
IMMEDIATE
Immediate shall mean that the pet solid waste is removed
at once, without delay.
OWNER/KEEPER
Owner/keeper shall mean any person who shall possess, maintain,
house or harbor any pet or otherwise have custody of any pet, whether
or not the owner of such pet.
PERSON
Person means any individual, corporation, company, partnership,
firm, association, or political subdivision of this State subject
to municipal jurisdiction.
PET
Pet means a domesticated animal (other than a disability
assistance animal) kept for amusement or companionship.
PET SOLID WASTE
Pet solid waste means waste matter expelled from the bowels
of the pet; excrement.
PROPER DISPOSAL
Proper disposal means placement in a designated waste receptacle,
or other suitable container, and discarded in a refuse container which
is regularly emptied by the municipality or some other refuse collector;
or disposal into a system designed to convey domestic sewage for proper
treatment and disposal.
All pet owners and keepers are required to immediately and properly
dispose of their pet's solid waste deposited on any property, public
or private, not owned or possessed by that person.
Any owner or keeper who requires the use of a disability assistance
animal shall be exempt from the provisions of this section while such
animal is being used for that purpose.