[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of Unity 8-24-2004 by Ord. No. O-13-04.[1] Amendments noted where applicable.]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also repealed former Ch. 40, Animals, Art. I, Dogs, adopted 9-22-1998 by Ord. No. O-3-98, as amended.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context.
OWNER
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, cat, or other domestic pet, includes every person having a right of property in such animal, and every person who keeps or harbors such animal or has it in his care, and every person who permits such animal to remain on or about any premises occupied by that person.
RUNNING AT LARGE
Being upon any public highway, street, alley, park or any other public land or upon the private property of any other person or persons other than the owner and not being accompanied by or under the control of the owner or such other person having custody of said animal.
A Dog Enforcement Officer shall be appointed by the Board of Supervisors to serve at its pleasure. Such Dog Enforcement Officer shall have responsibility for the enforcement of this article and of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-101 et seq., provided that the Officer shall have the power to make arrests under this Act of Assembly or any other act of assembly or ordinance of the Township or to report any violations to the Ordinance Enforcement Officer, who will have the responsibility of filing any necessary lawsuit or claim to enforce this chapter.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog, cat, or other domestic animal to allow or permit such animal to become a nuisance by affecting adversely the health, safety, welfare, comfort or convenience of the public.
B. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog, cat, or other domestic animal to allow or permit such animal to run at large in the Township.
C. 
It shall be unlawful for the owner of any dog, cat, or other domestic animal to allow said animal to continually and habitually hark, howl, screech, or otherwise disturb the peace of the neighborhood.
D. 
Persons with defective eyesight or hearing who rely upon a dog specifically trained for these purposes shall be exempt from the operation of this chapter.
The Dog Enforcement Officer may seize any dog, cat, or other domestic animal found at large in the Township with the same to be impounded in a licensed kennel.
A. 
Licensed animals. The Dog Enforcement Officer shall notify the owner of a licensed animal, by registered or certified mail with return receipt, that the animal is impounded and will be disposed of in five days if not claimed. Five days after the return receipt has been received, if the animal has not been claimed, the animal may be sold or destroyed in accordance with the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-302.
B. 
Unlicensed animals. Unlicensed animals that are seized shall be held in such kennel for 48 hours and, if not claimed, may be destroyed in accordance with the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-303.
A. 
A dog determined to be dangerous under § 502-A of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-502(A), shall be restrained or otherwise kept in accordance with Article VI-A of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501(A) et seq.
B. 
Dogs may be killed only in accordance with the requirements of § 501 of the Dog Law, 3 P.S. § 459-501, and otherwise said dogs must be detained and delivered to the police or a state dog warden. While detained, said dog must be treated in a humane manner.
A. 
The first two times that a dog, cat, or other domestic animal is seized, the owner thereof shall be subject to a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $100, along with such reasonable fees for maintaining the animal in a kennel as may be determined pursuant to a resolution of the Township Supervisors.
B. 
Any person or owner allowing a dog, cat, or other domestic animal to run at large a third or subsequent time in violation of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,000 and, in default of payment thereof, to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 30 days.