[Adopted 11-15-2004 by Ord. No. 1104-03]
For the purposes of this article, the following definitions shall be applicable:
ANIMAL CONTROL SERVICE
A nonprofit organization such as the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare, local SPCA or volunteer nonprofit animal organizations that do not charge fees for trapping animals.
[Amended 7-20-2018 by Ord. No. 0718-01; 1-17-2020 by Ord. No. 0120-01]
LIVE TRAP
A device used for the trapping of dogs, cats or other animals which does not injure, maim or kill the animal being trapped.
PROFESSIONAL TRAPPER
A person, business or other entity who charges a fee for the trapping of dogs, cats and other animals.
The purpose of this article is to encourage the trapping, by humane trapping procedures, of abandoned or feral dogs, cats and other animals, especially abandoned or feral cats, within the City, given that the City has a significant resident-abandoned or feral cat population.
Residents of the City, professional trappers, officers of an animal control service, or a humane or advocacy group society shall be permitted to engage in the trapping of abandoned or feral dogs, cats, or other animals within the incorporated limits of the City of Rehoboth Beach, pursuant to the following regulations:
A. 
Live traps should be the only trapping method used.
[Amended 1-17-2020 by Ord. No. 0120-01]
(1) 
No feline or rodent, including squirrels, shall be left in a trap for a period in excess of four hours.
(2) 
Once placed, no trap shall be left unattended for a period in excess of four hours.
B. 
Leg traps are prohibited.
C. 
All traps must have identification tags which are:
(1) 
Clearly legible;
(2) 
Identify the owner's name and address;
(3) 
Identify the telephone number of the person who is using the trap.
D. 
Trapping procedures must be used in accordance with § 88-9.
E. 
Within 72 hours of apprehension, trappers must provide to the City Manager a list of the dogs and/or cats trapped, including a physical description of the animal and approximate location, time and date of the trapping, which will then be posted at City Hall.
F. 
Professional trappers must obtain a business license from the City before engaging in trapping of animals.
G. 
Professional trappers shall provide the City of Rehoboth Beach with written notice of the exact locations and purpose of trapping.
H. 
This section shall not apply to:
(1) 
The City, or the Police Department, or their authorized representatives engaging in the trapping of animals, for the purpose of protecting public safety.
(2) 
The trapping of rodents, such as mice, rats, or squirrels.
(3) 
The trapping of animals which occurs indoors.
[Amended 11-21-2025 by Ord. No. 1125-02]
Any person violating any of the provision of this article shall, upon conviction, pay a fine established in the City Schedule of Fees and Penalties,[1] and shall pay the cost of prosecution. In addition, professional trappers may be subject to forfeiture of their business license by the City.
[1]
Editor's Note: The City Schedule of Fees and Penalties is on file in the City offices.