An article to prohibit the feeding of unconfined wildlife within
the Township of Lopatcong, so as to protect public health, safety
and welfare, and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.
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 chapter 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 pursuant to licenses issued by the State of New Jersey.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm,
association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal
jurisdiction.
WILDLIFE
All animals, including birds, that are neither human nor
domesticated.
No person shall feed, in or on public or private property within
the Township of Lopatcong, any wildlife, excluding confined wildlife
(for example, wildlife confined in zoos, parks or rehabilitation centers,
or unconfined wildlife at environmental education centers). The feeding
of birds using bird seed in bird feeders is also excluded from this
prohibition.
This article shall be enforced by the animal control officers
and the Police Department of the Township of Lopatcong.
Unless another penalty is expressly provided by New Jersey Statute,
every person convicted of a violation of this article or any supplement
thereto shall be liable to a penalty of not more than $1,000 and/or
by imprisonment for up to 15 days and/or by a period of community
service not exceeding 90 days, in the discretion of the Court.