[Ord. No. 2015-44 Exh. A]
The keeping, control and disposition of a menacing dog within the limits of Princeton shall be in accordance with the provisions of this article.
[Ord. No. 2015-44 Exh. A]
Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq., the animal control officer on behalf of Princeton is authorized to declare a dog menacing whenever the animal control officer has reasonable cause to believe that the dog possesses one or more of the traits set forth in subsections (a) through (g) below. In making the determination that a dog is or is not menacing, the following evidence shall be considered:
(a) 
Whether the dog approached any person in a dangerous or terrorizing manner, or in an apparent attitude of attack, without provocation.
(b) 
Whether the dog has a known propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack when unprovoked, to cause injury or to otherwise endanger the safety of human beings, dogs or other animals.
(c) 
Whether the dog exhibits any characteristics of aggressive or unpredictable temperamental behavior in the presence of human beings, dogs or other animals.
(d) 
The manner in which the dog had been maintained by its owner or custodian.
(e) 
Whether the dog snaps, or manifests a disposition to snap or bite.
(f) 
The size of the dog and the nature and extent of possible injuries the dog could inflict.
(g) 
The presence or absence of any provocation.
[Ord. No. 2015-44 Exh. A]
Any person owning, harboring or in custody of a dog that is declared by the animal control officer to be a menacing dog is in violation of this article of this chapter and shall be subject to the following:
(a) 
For the first offense: a penalty of $100; and/or such remedial action as may be recommended by the animal control officer and authorized by the court, including but not limited to a hold harmless provision and the purchase of liability insurance as described in Section 6-18 below.
(b) 
For second and subsequent offenses: a penalty of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or as otherwise ordered by the court.
[Ord. No. 2015-44 Exh. A]
In accordance with Section 6-17(a) above any person owning, harboring or in custody of a dog that is declared by the animal control officer to be a menacing dog may be required to hold Princeton harmless from any legal expenses or fees the municipality may incur in defending against any claim brought against Princeton for any injuries or damages caused thereafter by the dog, and to provide proof to the animal control officer that said person has purchased liability insurance as follows:
Liability insurance in a minimum amount of $100,000 to cover any damage or injury caused by the dog to any person or property. It may be separate from any other homeowner policy and shall name the municipality of Princeton as an additional insured party for the purpose of notification by the insurance company of any cancellation, termination or expiration of the policy, and to cover potential claims against Princeton for damage that may be caused by the dog to any person or property.