DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE
The purpose of this FAQ is to inform and educate the
general public on the ordinance pertaining to dogs
running at large and animals befouling property
within the Township of Swatara.
Definitions.
As used
in this ordinance, the following terms have the meaning
indicated, unless a different meaning clearly appears
from the context:
OWNER —
Any person having a right of property in any dog or
having custody of any dog, or any person who harbors or
permits a dog to remain on or around his or her
property.
RUNNING
AT LARGE — Being upon any public highway, street, alley,
park, or any other public land, or upon property of
another person other than the owner, and not being
accompanied by or under the control of the owner or any
other person having custody of said dog.
Unlawful to
allow dogs to run at large.
It shall
be unlawful for the owner of any dog or dogs to allow or
permit such dog or dogs to run at large in the Township
of Swatara. Upon receiving a complaint or information
that a dog is running at large in Swatara Township, the
Chief of Police of said Township shall cause an
investigation to be made, and if the complaint is found
to be true and correct, a notice in writing shall be
served upon the owner of the dog by a police officer
notifying said owner that his or her dog must be
properly controlled and kept from running at large in
said Township. The Chief of Police shall keep a record
of all notices so served as set forth above, and upon
receiving a second complaint or information against the
same owner, if upon investigation the said second
complaint or information is found to be true and
correct, then and in that event the Chief of Police
shall prosecute the said owner under the terms of this
article.
Seizing of dogs.
Any
police officer or dog warden may seize any dog found at
large in Township of Swatara. Such dogs are to be
impounded in the East Shore Shelter of Humane Society of
Harrisburg Area, Inc., located in Swatara Township or a
licensed kennel.
Threatening dogs.
Dogs
that, in the opinion of any police officer or dog
warden, constitute a threat to public health and welfare
may be killed by the police, dog warden, an employee of
the Department of Agriculture, or an animal control
officer (3 P.S. § 459-302).
Violations and
penalties.
The
second time a dog is seized, the owner shall pay a fine
of $15 to the Township of Swatara as well as reasonable
fees for keeping the animal in a kennel. Any person
allowing an animal to run at large a third time in
violation of this article shall, upon conviction
thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than
$600 and, in default of payment of said fine and costs,
to a term of imprisonment not to exceed 30 days.
BEFOULING OF PROPERTY
Unlawful to
allow animals to befoul property.
No
person shall allow any dog, or other domestic animal, or
any non-domestic animal owned by him or under his
control to urinate or defecate, befoul, corrupt, or
otherwise desecrate any sidewalk, walkway, grassplot or
the property of another.
Violations and
penalties.
Any
person who shall violate any provision of this article
shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a
fine of not less than $30 nor more than $600 and costs
of prosecution, or, in default of payment of such fine
and costs, to undergo imprisonment for not more than 30
days. Every day that a violation of this article
continues shall constitute a separate offense.
For the complete text
of this and other Swatara Township Ordinances,
click here.
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