The keeping, control, and disposition of a menacing dog within the limits of Hanover Township shall be in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township of Hanover 11-13-2025 by Ord. No. 28-2025. Amendments noted where applicable.]
Notwithstanding the provisions of N.J.S.A. 4:19-17 et seq., the Township Humane Law Enforcement Officer (HLEO) is authorized to declare a dog menacing whenever the HLEO has reasonable cause to make such determination pursuant to the criteria 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.
Any person owning, harboring, or otherwise in possession of a dog that is declared by the HLEO to be a menacing dog is in violation of this chapter and shall be subject to the following:
A.
For the first offense: a penalty of $200; and/or such remedial action as may be recommended by the HLEO and authorized by the court, including but not limited to a hold harmless provision and the purchase of liability insurance as described in § 118-4 below.
B.
For second and subsequent offenses: a penalty of not less than $200 nor more than $1,000, or as otherwise ordered by the court.
In accordance with § 118-3 above any person owning, harboring or otherwise in possession of a dog that is declared by the HLEO to be a menacing dog may be required to hold Hanover harmless from any legal expenses or fees the municipality may incur in defending against any claim brought against Hanover for any injuries or damages caused thereafter by the dog, and to provide proof to the HLEO that said person has purchased liability insurance as follows:
A.
Liability insurance in a minimum amount of $100,000 to cover any damage or injury caused by the dog to any person or property. This may be separate from any other homeowner policy and shall name the Township of Hanover 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 Hanover for damage that may be caused by the dog to any person or property.