[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992]
As used in this Chapter, certain terms are defined as follows:
(a) 
OWNER
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog or cat, includes every person having a right of property in the dog or cat and every person who keeps or harbors the dog or cat or has it in his or her care, and every person who permits the dog or cat to remain on or about any premises occupied by him or her.
(b) 
KENNEL
Any indoor housing facility wherein dogs are kept for the purpose of breeding, hunting, training, leasing, buying, boarding, sale, show, exchange or placement as pets or other similar purpose and is so constructed that dogs cannot stray therefrom.
(c) 
CATTERY
Any indoor housing facility wherein cats are kept for the purpose of leasing, buying, sale, boarding, show, breeding, exchange or placement as pets or other similar purpose and is so constructed that the cats cannot stray therefrom.
(d) 
CAT
Any member of the genus and species known as Felis domesticus, male, female or alter.
(e) 
IMPOUND
To apprehend, catch, trap, net or if necessary to kill any animal by the local police department or authorized local agency.
(f) 
AT LARGE
Any dog or other animal when it is off the property of its owner and not restrained by the owner, keeper or another competent person.
(g) 
RESTRAINT OR RESTRAINED
When a dog or other animal is controlled by leash or chain not exceeding six (6) feet in length or when a dog or other animal is confined to the owners property.
(h) 
VETERINARIAN
A doctor of veterinary medicine who is graduated from an accredited and recognized school of veterinary medicine, and possesses a license to practice veterinary medicine.
(i) 
MAMMAL
Any of the mammalia class of higher vertebrates comprising animals that nourish their young with milk secreted by mammary glands and have the skin more or less covered with hair. For purposes of this Chapter, man is excluded from the term mammal.
(j) 
DOG
Any member of the genus and species known as Canis Familiaris, male, female or alter.
(k) 
IMPOUNDING FACILITIES
Any premises for the purpose of impounding and caring for animals.
(l) 
NONDOMESTIC CANINE
Any species of the genus canis other than Canis Familiaris.
(m) 
NONDOMESTIC FELINE
Any species of the genus Felis other than Felis Domesticus.
(n) 
HYBRID
Any canine whose known ancestry includes a species other than Canis Familiaris or any feline whose known ancestry includes a species other than Felis Domesticus.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Ord. No. 12-2011, § 1, eff. 7-27-2011]
(a) 
No person shall keep, harbor or maintain a dog over the age of three (3) months unless the owner obtains a license from the City Treasurer or his or her authorized agent.
(b) 
The provisions of this section shall not apply to dogs whose owners are within the City for sixty (60) days or less or to dogs brought into this City for the purpose of participating in a dog show or similar event.
(c) 
Dog licenses shall be available in the following terms:
(i) 
A license term of one (1) year shall be available to applicable dog owners in the City of Pittsburgh. The license term shall commence on January 1st of the license's effective year, and shall terminate on December 31st of the same year. There shall be no pro-rata pricing for dog licenses.
(ii) 
A license term of three (3) years shall be available to applicable dog owners in the City of Pittsburgh. The license term shall commence on January 1st of the first year of the term and end on December 31st of the third year of the term. In instances where a dog owner applies for a license mid-year, the license term shall commence on the date of the acceptance of the completed dog license application and fee, and shall end on the 31st of December in the second full year after the license has been issued. There shall be no pro-rata pricing for dog licenses. This license term shall become effective January 1, 2012.
(iii) 
A lifetime license term shall be available to applicable dog owners in the City of Pittsburgh. The lifetime license shall have a license term of twelve (12) years. The license term shall commence on January 1st of the first year of the term and end on December 31st of the twelfth year of the term. In instances where a dog owner applies for a license mid-year, the license term shall commence on the date of the acceptance of the completed dog license application and fee, and shall end on the 31st of December in the eleventh full year after the license has been issued. There shall be no pro-rata pricing for dog licenses. This license term shall become effective January 1, 2012.
(d) 
Applicable to all license terms, a license shall terminate upon the death of the animal in all circumstances. It is the owner's responsibility to report a licensed animal's death to the Bureau of Animal Control in a timely manner.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992]
No person shall keep, harbor or maintain a cat that roams freely unless the owner identifies the cat or cats with an identification collar or tag that shall clearly and legibly state the cat owner's name, address and telephone.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992]
The owner shall state at the time the application is made for a license, and upon printed forms provided for the purpose, his or her name, address, telephone number and the name, breed, color and sex of each dog or cat for which a license is acquired.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Ord. No. 22-2010, § 2, eff. 7-16-2010]
Proof of a dog or cat's current rabies vaccination shall be provided to an employee of the City Bureau of Animal Care and Control upon request.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Am. Ord. 32-1999, eff. 12-1-1999; Ord. No. 12-2011, § 2, eff. 7-27-2011]
(a) 
Before a license is issued, fees shall be paid to the City Treasurer or his or her authorized agent according to the following schedule:
Type
1-Year License
3-Year License
Lifetime License
Spayed/Neutered
$10
$25
$75
Unspayed/Unneutered
$20
$50
$175
Applicable dog owners may qualify for the reduced "spayed/neutered" rate if the City is in possession of, or has been presented at the time of application for the dog license, evidence documenting and affirming that the animal has been spayed or neutered, or that the animal is otherwise unable to breed or be bred, in certificate form from a veterinarian. A dog less than six (6) months of age may be issued a one (1) year dog license at the reduced "spayed/neutered" rate without providing medical documentation of the animal's reproductive abilities.
(b) 
Licenses are to be issued without charge to guide dogs, service dogs or hearing dogs which are properly trained to assist blind or deaf persons.
(c) 
All kennels shall be required to have the owner purchase and place a license on every dog placed from that kennel.
(d) 
The City Treasurer or his or her authorized agent shall provide licenses, effective for the remainder of the license year, to nonprofit shelters located within the City limits to be distributed free of charge to the dogs and cats placed with City residents.
(e) 
The dog license fees shall be adjusted by the annual national rate of inflation, as reported by the federal Bureau of Labor and Statistics, on an annual basis. The City Treasurer or his or her authorized agent shall keep a rolling annual calculation of the adjusted fees in an Inflation Adjusted Dog License Fees Index (the Index) and the real fees shall be calculated by rounding the Index figure down to the nearest dollar. The City Treasurer or his or her authorized agent shall make public any changes in the dog license fee schedule at least ninety (90) days prior to the commencement of the year in which the fees shall take effect. The City Treasurer or his or her authorized agent shall notify City Council in writing of any changes in the dog license fee schedule, and the City Clerk shall update the code to reflect the new dog license fee schedule.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Ord. No. 12-2011, § 3, eff. 7-27-2011]
(a) 
Tag and Collar. Upon payment of the license fee, there shall be issued to the owner a tag for each dog licensed. The tag shall be changed at the end of every license term and shall have stamped thereon the final applicable year of the license. Every owner shall be required to provide each dog which ventures upon the public streets, sidewalks or other public places with a collar to which the license tag shall be affixed. The tag number, preceded by the letters "PGH" and the final applicable year of the license, written clearly and legibly upon the collar, shall be regarded as an acceptable substitute for the presence of the tag upon the collar.
(b) 
Nontransferable and Nonrefundable. License tags or numbers shall not be transferable from one (1) dog to another and no refunds shall be made on a license fee because of the death of a dog or the owner leaving the City before expiration of the licensed period.
(c) 
Lost or Stolen Tags. Tags that are lost or stolen may be reissued for the same dog upon payment of a fee that shall be equal to two dollars ($2.00) for each full year remaining until the dog's license expires, plus one dollar ($1.00).
(d) 
Long-term license dog tags shall always be gold colored, while three (3) year license dog tags and one (1) year license dog tags shall never be gold colored. Dog tags shall have the license number, year of expiration, and "PGH" printed on them.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Am. Ord. 33-1999, eff. 12-1-1999]
No person, whether as owner or person in possession, shall permit his or her dog to run at large upon the public streets, sidewalks or other public places, or upon the property of another. A dog shall be restrained by the use of a leash, or a chain not exceeding six (6) feet in length, at all times when upon public places, streets and park.
(a) 
Exceptions. It is not a violation of this section to have a dog off-leash in a specific area designated by the Director of Parks & Recreation to be an Off Leash Exercise Area (OLEA) (see City Code at § 633.21).
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992]
(a) 
No person shall keep or harbor any dog, cat or other animal in the City so as to create offensive odors, excessive noise or unsanitary conditions which are a menace to the health, comfort or safety of the public, or otherwise permit the commission or existence of a nuisance as defined herein.
(b) 
Any dog, cat or other animal, which by frequent and habitual barking, howling, screeching, yelping or baying, or in any way or manner disturbs the quiet of any person or the community, or which disturbs or endangers the comfort, repose or health of persons, is hereby declared to be committing a nuisance. No owner or person having custody of the animal shall harbor or permit it to commit a nuisance.
(c) 
Any dog, cat or other animal which scratches, digs or defecates upon any lawn, tree, shrub, plant, building or any other public or private property, other than the property of the owner or person in charge or control of the animal, is hereby declared to be a nuisance.
(d) 
No person being the owner or in charge or control of any dog, cat or other animal shall permit the animal to commit a nuisance on any school grounds, City park or other public property, or upon any private property other than that of the owner or person in charge or control of the dog, cat or other animal without the permission of the owner of the property. Where the owner or person in charge or control of the animal immediately removes all feces deposited by the animal and disposes of same in a sanitary manner, the type of nuisance shall be considered abated.
(e) 
Persons with physical handicaps, defective eyesight or hearing while relying upon a dog specifically trained for these purposes shall be exempt from compliance with subsections (c) and (d) hereof.
(f) 
Any female dog or cat in season shall be kept properly confined indoors.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Ord. No. 35-2014, eff. 12-17-2014]
(a) 
Dogs and cats shall be provided access to shelter which protects them against inclement weather, keep them dry and allows them to preserve a normal body temperature.
(b) 
Dog houses.
(1) 
A person in charge or control of any dog which is kept outdoors or in an unheated enclosure shall provide the dog with shelter and bedding as prescribed in this Section as a minimum.
(2) 
Building specifications. The shelter shall be a moisture proof and windproof structure of suitable size to accommodate the dog and allow retention of body heat. It shall be made of durable material with a solid, moisture proof floor raised at least three (3) inches from the ground, the roof should extend eight (8) inches over the doorway to keep out rain. In no instance shall a dog house be constructed of metal or any material that readily conducts heat or cold.
(3) 
Between November 1 and March 31, the structure must have a windbreak at the entrance. The structure shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of suitable bedding material consisting of straw, cedar shavings, or the equivalent, to provide insulation and protection against cold and dampness and promote retention of body heat.
(a) 
Hay, blankets, rags and other material(s) that retain moisture shall not be utilized for bedding. These materials retain moisture and freeze when wet.
(4) 
Shade from the direct rays of the sun during the months of May to October shall be provided.
(c) 
Dog houses shall be of a size to accommodate the dogs so as to allow for ample room for the dog as follows:
Depth = dog's length + 12";
Width = dog's length + 18";
Height = dog's height + 3" (low side), height + 9" (high side);
(d) 
Penalty. Any person who violates any provision(s) of [Section] 634.07 shall commit a summary offense, and shall, upon being found guilty by a Magisterial District Judge, after hearing, pay a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), together with all enforcement and shelter costs in the event a dog must be confiscated, and all court costs as permitted by law. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense, which shall be subject to prosecution as such.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992]
No person or residence shall be permitted to own, harbor or maintain a nondomestic canine, a nondomestic feline or hybrid within the City limits. This section shall not affect any animal owned by a person living within the City limits prior to the effective date of this section. This section shall not apply to any educational, institutional, zoological garden or circus.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Ord. No. 22-2010, § 3, eff. 7-16-2010]
No person or residence shall be permitted to own, harbor or maintain more than five (5) dogs or cats or any combination thereof within City limits. This section shall not affect any person or residence whose number of dogs, cats or any combination thereof exceeds the limit of five (5) prior to the effective date of this section and upon elimination of dogs or cats by adoption, death or any permanent removal from that person or residence, owners exceeding the limit of five (5) are not permitted to obtain additional dogs or cats. This section shall not affect kennels and catteries that have been granted a kennel/cattery permit by the City Bureau of Animal Care and Control nor shall it affect kennels registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Ord. No. 22-2010, § 4, eff. 7-16-2010]
All litters of puppies and kittens born within City limits are required to be registered with the City Bureau of Animal Care and Control within ten (10) working days of birth. There shall be no fee to register the first litter born between January 1 and December 31 of any year. Each household excluding those holding a current kennel/cattery permit shall be limited to one (1) litter of puppies or kittens per year. The five (5) pet limit described in § 635.03 shall not include litters of young under twelve (12) weeks of age that have been registered with the Department. This section shall not affect kennels registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992]
(a) 
Every police officer or other authorized agency shall impound every dog at large.
(b) 
After the impounding of any animal, if the animal is licensed, the owner shall be notified and the animal shall be held for ten (10) days from the date of the impounding notice. The owner of any impounded animal may reclaim the animal upon payment of all costs and charges incurred by the City for impounding and maintenance of the animal.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992]
(a) 
Unlicensed Dogs, Cats and Other Animals. Any unlicensed dog, cat or other animal may be adopted or euthanized in some humane manner if not redeemed or claimed within three (3) days after impounding.
(b) 
Licensed Dogs and Cats. Licensed dogs and cats may be adopted or euthanized in some humane manner if not redeemed within ten (10) days from the date of an impounding notice to the owner of the licensed dog.
(c) 
No animal shall be provided by the City to any person or institution for the purposes of medical research.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Ord. No. 22-2010, § 5, eff. 7-16-2010]
In addition to the other duties set forth in this Title, the City Bureau of Animal Care and Control shall:
(a) 
Provide informational service for the public on all mammal inquiries, including licensing and identification requirements, control, City regulations, maintenance and health, disposal, selection, training and instruction, nuisance report referrals, abuse and cruelty;
(b) 
Provide a central mammal lost and found service in conjunction with Animal Care and Control Officers; and
(c) 
Provide referrals of humane programs to schools and concerned organizations utilizing voluntary assistance from the local humane groups.
[Ord. 29-1992, eff. 7-16-1992; Am. Ord. 8-2000, eff. 4-12-2000; Ord. No. 5-2018, § 1, eff. 3-16-2018]
(a) 
An owner or keeper whose cat or dog, nondomestic feline or dog or hybrid is found to have bitten someone without provocation while running at large shall be fined three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00), plus costs, if it is a first offense. The penalty shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), plus costs, for each subsequent offense, and in default thereof, imprisonment not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours.
(b) 
Whoever violates § 633.12 or makes false representations under § 633.12 shall be fined three hundred fifty dollars ($350.00), plus costs, if it is a first offense. The penalty shall be six hundred dollars ($600.00) for each subsequent offense, and in default thereof, imprisonment not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours.
(c) 
Whoever violates any other provision of this Chapter shall be fined one hundred dollars ($100.00), plus costs, if it is a first offense. The penalty shall be five hundred dollars ($500.00), plus costs, for each subsequent offense, and in default thereof, imprisonment not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours.
[Ord. 35-1993, eff. 12-31-1993; Am. Ord. 8-2000, eff. 4-12-2000]
(a) 
Enforcement of the Dangerous Dog Law shall be pursuant to 3 P.S. § 459-501 et seq., and any amendments thereto.
(b) 
The City Treasurer is hereby authorized and directed to collect and retain all fees and fines associated with the determination and registration of a dangerous dog, issue the appropriate certificates of registration and dangerous dog warning signs and carry out all other duties and functions of the Treasurer of a City of the second class prescribed by the Dangerous Dog Law, Act 45 Sec. 2 of 1990, May 31, P.L. 213, as amended (3 P.S. Sec. 459-507-A et seq.) whenever a dangerous dog determination from the Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement has been received by the Treasurer.
[Ord. 7-1998, eff. 4-29-1998]
(a) 
For purposes of this section, animal fighting is defined by the Crimes Code of Pennsylvania under the Cruelty to Animals section as follows:
ANIMAL FIGHTING
A person commits a felony of the third degree if he:
(1) 
For amusement or gain, causes, allows or permits any animal to engage in animal fighting;
(2) 
Receives compensation for the admission of another person to any place kept or used for animal fighting;
(3) 
Owns, possesses, keeps, trains, promotes, purchases or knowingly sells any animal for animal fighting;
(4) 
In any way knowingly encourages, aids or assists therein;
(5) 
Wagers on the outcome of an animal fight;
(6) 
Pays for admission to an animal fight or attends an animal fight as a spectator; or
(7) 
Knowingly permits any place under his control or possession to be kept or used for animal fighting… (18 P.S. Sec. 5511(h.1)).
(b) 
The Director of the Department of Public Safety shall grant rewards up to the sum of five hundred dollars ($500.00) to individuals, organizations or other entities who provide information that leads to the arrest and conviction or any individual for violation of 18 P.S. Sec. 5511(h.1). Such convictions must be felonies of the third degree.
(c) 
In setting the reward amount, the Director of the Department of Public Safety will establish a reward committee made up of the Director of the Department of Public Works, or his or her designee, and the Chief of Police, or his or her designee, the Chairman of City Council's Public Safety Services Committee, and two (2) representatives from an animal shelter that operates in the city. The Committee will make a recommendation on the amount of the reward based on the circumstances of the incident.
(d) 
Individuals who are agents or employees of animal shelters, animal rights organizations, etc. are not eligible to receive a reward under this section. Entities and organizations whose primary function is the promotion of animal rights; placement of homeless animals, humane law enforcement; veterinary care; or other activities that promote responsible animal treatment are not eligible for rewards.
(e) 
Such rewards shall be granted from the Department of Public Safety Animal Fighting Trust Fund or such other Trust Fund or General Fund account within the Department of Public Safety, as the Director of Public Safety shall deem appropriate.
(f) 
The Bureau of Police will develop an Animal Fighting Awareness/Training component for police in service and recruit training. This curriculum should be implemented as soon as feasible.
[Ord. 34-1999, eff. 12-1-1999; Ord. No. 22-2010, § 8, eff. 7-16-2010; Ord. No. 14-2018, § 1, eff. 5-14-2018]
(a) 
Program Establishment. An off-leash program shall be established under the administration of the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of Animal Care and Control.
(b) 
Definition. An Off-Leash Exercise Area, referred to as an OLEA, are areas which have been designated by the City of Pittsburgh where dogs may be allowed to run freely. These OLEA sites may or may not be fenced in.
(c) 
OLEA Sites. Dogs may be allowed to run at large only in the following areas:
(1) 
OLEA within Upper Frick Park; and
(2) 
OLEA within Lower Frick Park, referred to as Hot Dog Dam; and
(3) 
OLEA within Allegheny Commons Park; and
(4) 
OLEA within Highland Park; and
(5) 
OLEA within Riverview Park; and
(6) 
OLEA located in Central Lawrenceville, referred to as Bernard Dog Run; and
(7) 
OLEA within South Side Riverfront Park, referred to as South Side Dog Park; and
(8) 
OLEA within Olympia Park, referred to as Emerald View Park; and
(9) 
OLEA located in the Central Business District between Fort Duquesne Boulevard and the Rachel Carson Bridge; and
(10) 
In any such area to be designated by the Department of Parks and Recreation in the future.
(d) 
Conduct in an OLEA.
(1) 
Any person who takes a dog into an OLEA must have physical control of the dog by means of an adequate leash when entering and leaving the off-leash area;
(2) 
Any person who takes a dog into an OLEA must maintain voice control over the dog at all times while in an OLEA.
(3) 
All dogs in an OLEA must be licensed and must display valid license tags attached to the dog collar.
(4) 
Dangerous dogs, as defined in Section 633.20 of the Pittsburgh Code, are not permitted to use an OLEA.
(5) 
Any person with a dog in their possession or under their control in an OLEA shall be responsible and liable for the conduct of the animal, shall carry equipment for removing feces, and shall place feces deposited by such animal in an appropriate receptacle.
(e) 
Administration.
(1) 
The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized promulgate regulations governing conduct and behavior within any OLEA and place appropriate signage deemed necessary for the orderly operation of an OLEA.
(2) 
The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to close to off-leash dog use any area described under subsection (C) on a temporary or permanent basis if significant problems arise which cannot be resolved jointly by the Department of Parks and Recreation and the Bureau of Animal Care and Control.
(3) 
The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to close any OLEA described under subsection (b) on a temporary basis in order to perform maintenance at the site.
(4) 
The Director of Parks and Recreation is authorized to close any OLEA if a determination is made that such closure is necessary for the preservation and protection of the natural environment, public health or safety.
(5) 
Prior to closing any area OLEA, the Director shall consult with the Bureau of Animal Care and Control. The Director of Parks and Recreation shall state in writing the reasons for closure to the Mayor and City Council.
(6) 
The Director shall review the impacts of off-leash activities at OLEA sites after three (3) months of operations at each site. If, based on this review, the Director finds significant problems that cannot be practically corrected, the Director may close the site to off-leash use.
(7) 
Prior to any permanent closure, the Director shall give thirty (30) days' written notice, to be posted at the site, stating the reason(s) for the closure.
(8) 
The Director is authorized to manage all OLEA sites and this authority shall include, but not be limited to, the authority to make minor alterations to site boundaries after reasonable notice to the public, impose operating hours and curtail use at sites as necessary for renovation, repair or for other operational reasons.
[1]
Editor's Note: This section was originally designated as § 633.21 but was renumbered due to a preexisting § 633.21.
[Ord. No. 36-2014, eff. 12-17-2014; Ord. No. 60-2017, § 1, eff. 12-28-2017]
(a) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to tether, fasten, chain, tie, restrain or cause an unattended dog to be fastened, chained, tied or restrained to houses, trees, fences, garages, stakes or other stationary or highly immobile objects by means of a rope, chain, strap or other physical restraint for the purpose of confinement, except in circumstances where all of the following requirements are satisfied:
(1) 
The tethering is not for a longer period of time than reasonably necessary for the dog, owner or custodian to complete a temporary task that requires the dog to be physically restrained; and
(2) 
The tether is attached to the dog by a nonchoke-type collar and attached to the stationary object by swivel anchors, latches, or similar devices in a manner which prevents the tether from becoming entangled around any object so as to limit the dog's freedom within the tethered area or to prevent the dog, or any of its appendages, from becoming entangled by the tether; and
(3) 
The tether must be of a type commonly used for the size of the dog involved and if the tether is a chain, it may not be thicker than one-eighth (⅛) of an inch; and
(4) 
The tether shall be at least three (3) times the length of the dog as measured from the tip of its nose to the base of its tail, but no less than ten (10) feet in length and shall allow the dog convenient access to the dog house; and
(5) 
The dog has easy access to:
a. 
Potable drinking water;
b. 
Edible food; and
c. 
Adequate shade and/or shelter within the tethered area.
(6) 
The dog is periodically monitored while tethered for the aforementioned reasonable period of time; and
(7) 
The dog is not tethered outdoors during any period in which a severe weather warning has been issued for Allegheny County by the National Weather Service; and
(8) 
The dog is not tethered outdoors for a continuous period of time greater than one-half (½) hour if the temperature during such period remains entirely either:
a. 
Below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit; or
b. 
Above ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit.
(b) 
It shall be unlawful for any person to leave any dog—tethered or untethered—outside and unattended during any period in which a severe weather warning has been issued for Allegheny County by the National Weather Service for a continuous period of time greater than one-half (½) hour, or, if the temperature during such period reaches:
(1) 
Below thirty-two (32) degrees Fahrenheit; or
(2) 
Above ninety (90) degrees Fahrenheit.
OUTSIDE, for purposes of this section, shall mean any unattended dog that is outside subject to the weather and elements, which expressly includes, but not limited to, a dog in a securely fenced-in yard, a dog in a kennel, or a dog tethered or tied out. The dog shall be considered "outside" regardless of access to an outdoor doghouse or similar structure.
(c) 
The duly authorized enforcement agents of the City's Bureau of Animal Care and Control are the primary agents to enforce this Section. Additionally, Pittsburgh Police officers and all of those vested with the authority as an enforcement officer or agent under the Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law are also permitted to enforce this Section. The City expressly reserves the right to appoint by resolution any additional agents of the City to enforce the provisions of this Section.
(d) 
In addition to the City's Animal Care and Control agents and police authority having jurisdiction, the Humane Society agent(s), or any officer, employee, or agent of the City, is hereby authorized to notify any owner or occupant of any premises in violation of this Section, either personally or by posting such notice upon the premises, that such owner must bring the outdoor dog tethering violation into compliance with this Section within one (1) day of receipt of such notice. Upon the failure of such owner or occupant to bring his or her tethering situation into compliance with this Section within such period of time, any of the foregoing individuals authorized by the City to enforce this Section are hereby authorized to enter upon such premises and to temporarily remove such dog from the property.
(e) 
Any removed dog will be held at the Humane Animal Rescue and/or other designated or authorized facility. Prior to any hearing regarding the violation, such dog owner may regain possession of any confiscated dog upon an adequate showing that his or her tethering situation has been brought into compliance with this Section. No confiscated dog shall be considered surrendered to the confiscating party unless expressly surrendered by the dog owner or adjudicated as forfeited as provided in the Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law after a hearing on the matter as provided in this subsection (e).
(f) 
In addition to any applicable penalties provided by the Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law, 18 Pa. C.S. §§ 5531 et seq., any person who violates any provision(s) of this Chapter shall commit a summary offense, and shall, upon being found guilty by a Magisterial District Judge, after hearing, pay a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), together with all enforcement and shelter costs in the event a dog must be confiscated, and all court costs as permitted by law. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense, which shall be subject to prosecution as such. Enforcement and prosecution of any violation of this Section may be conducted by the City as provided by law or by its agent and counsel as provided in the Pennsylvania Animal Cruelty Law.
(g) 
Upon providing a City dog license to a City resident, the License Officer shall provide a summary of all applicable ordinances and/or statutes pertaining to keeping dogs in the City of Pittsburgh. The same information shall also be provided for the benefit of the public on the appropriate City internet web pages.
[Ord. No. 35-2015, § 1, eff. 9-25-2015]
(a) 
In order to protect the health and safety of an animal, a law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or animal control officer, who has probable cause to believe that an animal is confined in a motor vehicle under conditions that are likely to cause suffering, injury, or death to the animal due to heat, cold, lack of adequate ventilation, or under other endangering conditions, may enter the motor vehicle by any reasonable means under the circumstances after making a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person responsible for the animal.
(b) 
The law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic, or animal control officer who removes an animal from a motor vehicle pursuant to this Section shall be immune from civil or criminal liability that might otherwise result from the removal.
[Ord. No. 33-2021, § 1, eff. 9-30-2021]
(a) 
Definitions.
(1) 
CAT
Any member of the Felidae family (both domestic and nondomestic felines).
(2) 
DECLAWING
As used in this section, the term means any of the following:
(a) 
An onychectomy, dactylectomy, phalangectomy, partial digital amputation, or any other surgical procedure by which a portion of a cat's paw is amputated to remove the cat's claw.
(b) 
A tendonectomy or another surgical procedure by which the tendons of a cat's limbs, paws, or toes are cut or modified so that the cat's claws cannot be extended.
(c) 
Any other method of permanently or irreversibly preventing the normal functioning of a feline's claws.
(3) 
THERAPEUTIC PURPOSE
This term refers to the necessity of addressing the physical medical condition of a cat, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition of the cat which compromises the cat's health. The term does not include a cosmetic or aesthetic reason or reasons of convenience for keeping or handling the cat.
(b) 
Prohibition. A person may not perform a declawing by any means on a cat within the City of Pittsburgh unless the procedure is necessary for a therapeutic purpose.
(c) 
[Penalty.] Any person who violates Section 633.25(b) is subject to civil penalty of up to five hundred dollars ($500.00), plus costs, for each violation. Each incident in which a cat is declawed or partially declawed in violation of Section 633.25(b) constitutes a separate violation.