The purpose of this article is to prohibit the
keeping, maintaining, breeding or harboring of fur-bearing animals,
as the same are commonly known or understood and defined herein, in
any part of the unincorporated area of the Town of Cortlandt. It is
the intent of this article to protect and promote the public health
and welfare of the community by eliminating from the unincorporated
area the keeping of fur-bearing animals, "fur-bearing animals" being
defined as mink, rabbits, skunks, foxes or kindred animals of this
nature.
It shall be unlawful for any person to suffer,
keep, permit, raise, breed or otherwise have in his possession fur-bearing
animals, as the same are defined in this article, and to keep, harbor,
maintain, feed or breed the same anywhere within the unincorporated
area of the Town of Cortlandt.
[Amended 8-17-1993 by L.L. No. 2-1993]
Any person who suffers, permits, harbors, breeds
or keeps in his possession fur-bearing animals in the unincorporated
area of the Town of Cortlandt is subject to having the same impounded
and sold, pursuant to § 130, Subdivision 9, of the Town
Law, and the Constables of the Town of Cortlandt are hereby authorized
to impound, pursuant to order of one of the Justices of Peace of the
Town of Cortlandt, and sell the same, pursuant to law, and from the
proceeds of such sale to deduct the costs of keeping said animals
and the costs and disbursements of conducting such sale.
[Amended 8-17-1993 by L.L. No. 2-1993; 6-11-2024 by L.L. No. 7-2024]
Any violation of this article shall be punishable
by a fine not to exceed $350 for a first offense, $700 for the second
offense, and $1,000 for each subsequent offense or by imprisonment
not to exceed 15 days, or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day’s
continued violation shall constitute a separate additional violation.
If any defendant fails to appear for a scheduled court date, then
any police officer or animal control officer may seize the animal(s)
referenced in the complaint after receipt of an order from a judge.
Any violation of this article may also be filed as a civil matter.