The Village of New Paltz has evolved from a
rural community to a suburban community populated by families with
children and companion animals, who are endangered by the use of lethal
traps that constitute a clear danger to the residents of New Paltz,
particularly children and companion animals. Thus it is determined
that the use of certain traps in certain areas of the Village of New
Paltz is no longer safe and appropriate.
The trapping of animals through the use of a
steel jaw leghold or conibear trap or snare of any kind that may harm
or kill any individual animal is prohibited within 300 feet of buildings
in the Village of New Paltz. Said prohibition includes those areas
in the Village of New Paltz within 300 feet of buildings located outside
the Village of New Paltz.
The trapping of animals is prohibited on Village-owned
property. Nonlethal methods of animal removal may be used to protect
the public health and welfare, as determined by the Village Board
of Trustees.
[Amended 10-22-2014 by L.L. No. 13-2014]
Any person violating any provisions of this article shall be
guilty of a violation pursuant to the Penal Law and shall be punishable
by a fine as set annually by resolution of the Board of Trustees or
six months in jail for each offense. Any violation which continues
shall be deemed a separate violation and bear a separate penalty for
each separate day, defined as between the hours of 12:00:01 a.m. and
12:00 midnight following, on which the violation occurs. The Building
Inspector, in consultation with the Village of New Paltz Environmental
Commission, shall enforce all provisions of this article.