The purpose of this article is to prohibit the feeding of unconfined
wildlife in any public park or on any other property owned or operated
by the Borough of Metuchen, so as to protect public health, safety
and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply. In
addition, it has been well established that the feeding of wild animals
is both detrimental to the animals and causes a public health nuisance
and safety hazard that is detrimental to the health and general welfare
of the public.
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.
FEED
To give, place, expose, deposit, distribute or scatter any
edible material with the intention of feeding, attracting or enticing
wildlife. Feeding does not include baiting in the legal taking of
fish and/or game.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm,
association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal
jurisdiction.
WILD ANIMALS
Any animal, which is not normally domesticated in this state,
including but not limited to bears, coyotes, deer, feral cats, foxes,
groundhogs, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and waterfowl, and any domesticated
unlicensed animal, including but not limited to stray cats and/or
dogs.
WILDLIFE
All animals that are neither human nor domesticated.
Any person(s) who is found to be in violation of the provisions
of this article shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $1,000.