[1971 Code § BH10-1]
As used in this chapter:
DOMESTIC ANIMAL
Shall include those animals which are tame by nature, or from time immemorial have been accustomed to the association of man, or by his industry, have been subjected to his will, and have no disposition to escape his dominion, and for the purposes of this chapter, animals hereinafter described as farm animals shall be excepted from this designation.
FARM ANIMAL
Shall mean and refer to those domesticated animals which have historically been used in, by or for the production of agricultural income or products and which are generally assumed by prevailing community standards to be associated with farm or agricultural uses. Farm animals shall refer to sheep, chickens, goats, swing, horses, cows or animals of like or similar nature.
FARMS
As used within the provisions of this chapter, shall mean any parcel of land five acres or more in area.
PERSON
Shall be construed to mean an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, voluntary association or an incorporated association.
PLACE
Shall be deemed and mean any farm, plot, lot or other premises, house, garage, barn or other building of any kind whatsoever.
WILD ANIMAL
Shall include those animals wild by nature, which because of habitat, mode of life or natural instinct, are incapable of being completely domesticated, and require the exercise of art, force or skill to keep them in subjection.
[1971 Code § BH10-2; amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 2024-23]
It shall be unlawful for any person to own, harbor, keep or maintain any pigeons, sheep, fowl, horse, cattle, goat, swine, poultry or other domestic, farm or wild animal within the limits of the Borough of Matawan except in conformity to the rules and regulations hereinafter established, or except as otherwise may be permitted by Borough Code Sections 5-13, and 34-113. The following traditional house pets, including but not limited to cats, dogs, caged birds, guinea pigs, and hamsters, are permitted within the Borough.
[1971 Code § BH10-3]
a. 
All persons subject to the regulations contained in this chapter must provide suitable animal housing which is completely enclosed and of a nature similar to a barn, stable, coop, or corral.
b. 
At its closest point such housing shall be at least 15 feet from any adjacent property line.
c. 
Such housing shall be kept clean at all times to prevent the creation of offensive odors, the accumulation of manure and the accumulation of organic refuse.
d. 
Such housing shall be kept in good repair, properly ventilated, waterproof and free from rats and other vermin.
e. 
Such housing shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material to be capable at all times of keeping said animal or animals from running at large.
f. 
The animal or animals regulated under the provisions of this chapter shall remain confined in left unattended within said housing. Animals which are found running at large shall be guilty, upon proof, of a violation by the property owner of the provisions of this chapter.
g. 
All manure or offensive organic refuse shall be kept, stored, and disposed of in a manner approved by the County Health Officer so as not to create a nuisance or health hazard.
[1971 Code § BH10-4]
a. 
Farm Animals.
1. 
Crowing roosters, cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swing or other farm animals as herein defined shall only be kept on a farm as herein defined.
2. 
The County Health Officer shall have the power and authority to grant exceptions to the regulations contained in paragraph a. 1 above. The exceptions shall be granted by the Health Officer by way of a special permit for this purpose. The special permit may only be granted upon the written application of the person seeking the special permit or his authorized agent. The application shall be delivered to the Borough Clerk. The Health Officer may grant the permit if upon a full hearing of the relative facts it determines:
(a) 
The denial of the permit will work a great hardship upon the applicant;
(b) 
The applicant has satisfied the Health Officer that he has, will and/or can comply with the other provisions of this chapter;
(c) 
That the granting of the permit will not violate any other ordinance of the Borough of Matawan and specifically will not be inconsistent with the Zoning Ordinance of the Borough of Matawan.
(d) 
The granting of the permit will not impair the health, safety and welfare of the surrounding property owners and the community as a whole.
b. 
Wild Animals.
1. 
Wild animals shall not be permitted to be owned or maintained anywhere within the Borough of Matawan.
2. 
No exception may be allowed to this section.