[Amended 11-11-1991 by Ord. No. 431, approved 11-11-1991]
It shall be unlawful to own, harbor or keep
in custody any dog which disturbs the peace by barking, howling or
making other loud noises to the annoyance and discomfort of any person
in the Borough of Athens. Continuous barking, howling or the making
of other loud noises by any dog shall be deemed to be a disturbance
of the peace and a cause of annoyance and discomfort to persons in
the Borough of Athens.
[Amended 5-12-1997 by Ord. No. 498, approved 5-12-1997]
It shall be unlawful to keep more than four
dogs six months of age or older on any premises, regardless of the
number of owners; provided, however, that this section shall not apply
to any premises for which a kennel license has been obtained pursuant
to the Dog Law of 1965 (3 P.S. § 460-208 et seq.). The number of dogs allowed per household is based on the
noise, odor and concern for the sanitary living conditions of the
animal and to allow for the proper disposal of the waste products
of the animals.
[Amended 5-12-1997 by Ord. No. 498, approved 5-12-1997; at time of
adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I)]
Any person who violates or permits a violation
of this article shall, upon being found liable therefor, pay a fine
of not more than $600, plus court costs and reasonable attorneys'
fees incurred by the Borough in the enforcement proceedings. If the
penalty is not paid, the Borough shall initiate a civil action for
collection in accordance with the Pennsylvania Rules of Civil Procedure.
Each day a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense, and
each section of this article that is violated shall also constitute
a separate offense. In addition to or in lieu of enforcement under
this section, the Borough may enforce this article in equity in the
Court of Common Pleas of Bradford County.