As used in this article, the following terms
shall have the meanings indicated:
ANIMAL CENSUS COORDINATOR
The municipal official designated by the Township Committee
to conduct a census of cats and dogs owned and harbored within the
municipality.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER/AUTHORITY
Any person or agency certified by the State of New Jersey
to enforce the provisions of this article, and appointed by the Township
Committee.
ANIMAL LICENSING OFFICIAL
The agency, department or municipal official of Bethlehem
Township designated by the Township Committee and charged with administering
the issuance and/or revocation of permits and licenses under the provisions
of this article.
CAT
Any member of the domestic feline species: male, female,
or altered.
DOG
Any member of the domestic canine species; male, female,
or altered.
HARBOR
Intentionally giving food, shelter or refuge to an animal.
KENNEL
Any establishment, wherein or whereon the business of boarding
or selling dogs or breeding of dogs for sale is carried on, except
a pet shop or shelter.
LICENSING AGE
Any dog or cat that shall have attained the age of seven
months or which possesses a set of permanent teeth.
MUNICIPAL OFFICIAL
Any present officer, employee, board or committee member
hired by the Township Committee of the Township, whether full- or
part-time. The term shall also include any person elected by the voters
of the Township to fill any official position in the Township, or
any person subsequently appointed to fill such position.
OWNER
When applied to the proprietorship of a dog or cat, includes
every person having the right of property in such dog or cat, and
any person who has had any dog or cat in his keeping for a period
of seven days.
PERSON
Any individual, corporation, partnership, organization, or
institution commonly recognized by the law as a unit.
SPAYED/NEUTERED
Rendered permanently incapable of reproduction as certified
by a licensed veterinarian.
STRAY
Any dog or cat running at large and not under the control
and supervision of its owner or a person authorized by its owner.
The animal control officer is hereby authorized
to go upon any premises to seize for impounding any animal which he
may lawfully impound when said animal control officer is in immediate
pursuit of such animal except upon the premises of the owner of the
animal, if said owner is present and forbids the same.
No person shall hinder, molest, or interfere
with anyone authorized or empowered to perform any duty under this
article. Any person found to be in violation of this provision shall
be subject to a fine no less than $25 nor more than $50.