The purpose of this chapter is to provide reasonable regulations
for the control, care and maintenance of cats in the Borough of Woodstown.
It is recognized by the Mayor and Council that cats are generally
excellent pets, but they can become a nuisance if not properly maintained.
This chapter is not intended to impair, restrict or otherwise interfere
with the relationship that exists between owners and their pets; however,
it is necessary that these owners exercise responsibility in the care
and maintenance of their animals so that other residents in the Borough
of Woodstown are not offended or unreasonably inconvenienced.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
ABANDONED CAT
A cat of any age which shall be left unattended, unclaimed,
unlicensed or at large for a period of 72 hours or more.
CAT
Any animal of a feline species.
OWNER
Every person having a property right in a cat and every person
keeping, harboring or feeding a cat for more than 48 hours. This provision
shall not include a person who keeps or feeds a cat on behalf of an
owner at the owner's request to accommodate the owner's temporary
needs.
PERSON
An individual, firm, partnership, corporation or association
of persons.
PUBLIC NUISANCE
A cat that causes damage to public or private property or
causes harm to any person.
STRAY CAT
A cat having no known owner or custodian.
[Amended 12-11-07 by Ord. No. 2007-18; 2-23-2021 by Ord. No. 2021-6]
All cat licenses shall be issued by the Municipal Clerk or such
other person as may be designated by the Mayor and Council for the
Borough of Woodstown. All licenses shall be issued with a registration
number, and a record of such issuance shall be maintained. A license
may only be issued after a completed application is received along
with all required fees. The licensing fee shall be $18, which fee
is allocated as $17 for the license and $1 for registration and the
registration tag. The registration tag shall then be attached to a
collar to be worn and maintained by the individual cat for whom the
license was issued whenever such cat shall be outdoors. Any person
who presents a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian stating
that the cat has been spayed or neutered shall be entitled to a reduction
of $3 of the license fee for each annual renewal. All licenses and
fees required by this section shall be purchased before the last day
in January in each year. No license shall be granted for a period
exceeding one year, and no license shall be transferable. Persons
applying for a license or renewal after the last day of January shall
pay the full license and registration fee, regardless of the number
of months remaining in the year.
No cat shall be sheltered, maintained or harbored that is not
domesticated. The area where cats are kept shall be clean and sanitary
and shall not create a disturbance by reason of noise, odor or other
causes. No person shall abandon any cat or permit a cat in his custody
to become a stray.