[Adopted 9-28-1998 by L.L.
No. 1-1998]
This article shall be known as the "Nuisance Animal Local Law of the
Village of Skaneateles."
The Village of Skaneateles finds that the uncontrolled behavior of animals
has caused physical harm to persons and damage to property and created nuisances
within the Village. The purpose of this article is to protect the health,
safety and well-being of persons and property by imposing restrictions and
regulations upon the keeping of animals within the Village.
This article is enacted pursuant to the provisions of § 124
of Article 7 of the Agriculture and Markets Law and the Municipal Home Rule
Law.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
ANIMAL
Any animal, reptile, bird or fowl, domesticated or wild, owned or
otherwise maintained by any person.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER
That person or his or her authorized representative designated as
such by the Town Board of the Town of Skaneateles.
AT LARGE
Any dog shall be deemed to be at large when it is off the property
of its owner and not under restraint of a competent person.
DOG
Any member of the species Canis familiaris.
HARBOR
To provide food or shelter to any animal.
OWNER
Any person, firm, partnership, trustee, association or corporation
owning, keeping, harboring or otherwise maintaining an animal. Animals owned
by minors shall be deemed to be in the custody and control of the minor's
parents or head of the household where such minor resides.
RESTRAINT
A dog is under restraint if it is controlled by a leash or in the
presence of a competent person and obedient to that person's commands, on
or within a vehicle being driven or parked on the street, or within the property
limit of its owner or keeper, or upon the premises of another with the consent
of such other person.
All owners of female dogs in heat shall keep such dogs confined in such
manner as to not be in contact with other dogs (except for intentional breeding
purposes) and so as to avoid creation of a nuisance by attracting other dogs.
Any person who observes any animal in violation of this article may file a complaint under oath with the Village police, the Town Animal Control Officer, or a Justice of the Town of Skaneateles specifying the nature of the violation, the date thereof, a description of the animal and the name and residence, if known, of the owner of the animal. Such complaint may serve as the basis for enforcing the provisions of this article by commencement of a civil action by the Village to collect the penalties referenced in §
69-10.
Any owner in violation of this article shall be subject to a civil penalty
of up to $50. Upon a second violation of this article by an owner within one
year, the civil penalty shall be up to $100.