[Adopted 6-18-2007 by Ord. No. 20-2007]
The purpose of this article is to establish
requirements for the proper disposal of pet solid waste in the Township
of Readington, so as to protect the public health, safety and welfare
of the citizens of the Township of Readington, and to protect against
water pollution and environmental degradation in accordance with the
Township's stormwater management plan and the New Jersey State Stormwater
Rules promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection, pursuant
to the New Jersey Water Pollution Control Act (N.J.S.A. 58:10a-1 et
seq.), and to prescribe penalties for failure to comply.
For the purpose of this article, the following
terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings
stated herein, unless their use in the text of this article clearly
demonstrates a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context,
words used in the present tense include the future, words used in
the plural number include the singular number, and words used in the
singular number include the plural number. The word "shall" is always
mandatory and not merely directory.
Shall mean that the pet solid waste is to be removed at once,without
delay.
Any person who shall possess, maintain, house or harbor any
pet or otherwise have custody of any pet, whether or not he/she/it
is the owner of such pet.
Any individual, corporation, company, partnership, firm,
association, or political subdivision of this state subject to municipal
jurisdiction.
A domesticated animal (other than a disability assistance
animal) kept for amusement or companionship.
Waste matter expelled from the bowels of the pet; excrement.
Placement in a designated waste receptacle, or other suitable
container, and discarded in a refuse container which is regularly
emptied by the municipality or some other refuse collector; or disposal
into a system designed to convey domestic sewage for proper treatment
and disposal.
All pet owners and keepers are required to immediately
and properly disposal of their pet's solid waste deposited on any
property, public or private, not owned or possessed by that person.
Any owner or keeper who requires the use of
a disability assistance animal shall be exempt from the provisions
of this article while such animal is being used for that purpose.
This article shall be enforced by the Police
Department, Municipal Board of Health or other public officer as may
be appointed or directed by the Township Committee of the Township
of Readington.
Any person who violates the provisions of this
article shall, upon conviction, be subject to a fine not exceeding
$500. Each day a violation continues after the time required for the
abatement thereof shall constitute a separate offense.
