Chapter 57   DOGS

§ 57-1.   Definitions.
§ 57-2.   Running at large unlawful.
§ 57-3.   Dogs to be leashed.
§ 57-4.   Seizure and impoundment of dogs running at large; redemption.
§ 57-5.   Loud noise or disturbance unlawful.
§ 57-6.   Defiling property unlawful.
§ 57-7.   Notice of impoundment; redemption; unclaimed dogs.
§ 57-8.   Obstructing officers unlawful.
§ 57-9.   Agreements with humane societies authorized.
§ 57-10. Dog pound.
§ 57-11. Violations and penalties.

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Supervisors of the Township of North Londonderry 10-14-1980 by Ord. No. 48. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 57-1. Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:

DOGS - Includes all dogs. [Amended 1-2-2001 by Ord. No. 123]
OWNER - When applied to the proprietorship of a dog, includes every person having a right or property in such dog and every person who keeps or harbors such dog or has it in his care or custody, and every person who permits such dog to remain on or about any premises owned or acquired by him.

§ 57-2. Running at large unlawful.
It shall be the duty of the owner, custodian or keeper of any dog, and the duty of the parent or guardian of any minor owner of any dog, to keep the dog securely tied or penned in an enclosure in such a manner that the dog cannot break loose and run at large over the streets, alleys or public grounds in the
Township of North Londonderry or upon the property of anyone other than the owner, custodian or keeper of such dog, unless accompanied by and under the immediate control of such owner, custodian or keeper.

§ 57-3. Dogs to be leashed.
It shall be the duty of the owner, custodian or keeper of any
dog, while traveling on the streets, alleys or public grounds in the Township of North Londonderry, to have the dog on a leash at all times and to prevent the dog from entering upon the property of any person or persons in the Township of North Londonderry without the property owner's consent.

§ 57-4. Seizure and impoundment of dogs running at large; redemption.
Any police officer, constable or peace officer is hereby authorized to seize and impound any dog found running at large and unattended in the Township of North Londonderry and to convey it to the place designated by the Township Supervisors as a pound. Notice of such seizure shall be sent to the owner of such dog in the manner prescribed by law, and such dog may be redeemed by the owner thereof within the time specified by law, upon payment of the charges incurred by reason of such detention.

§ 57-5. Loud noise or disturbance unlawful.
No person shall allow any dog confined on that person's premises to make any loud or harsh noise or disturbance which will interfere with or deprive the peace, quiet, rest or sleep of any person within the neighborhood.

§ 57-6. Defiling property unlawful.
No person shall allow any dog owned by him or under his
control to defile, befoul, corrupt or otherwise desecrate any sidewalk, walkway, street, public park or any other property of another within North Londonderry Township.

§ 57-7. Notice of impoundment; redemption; unclaimed dogs.
A. Any dog, whether bearing a proper license tag or not, seized and detained under the provisions of this chapter shall be properly kept and fed, and immediate notice, either personal or by registered mail, shall be given by the officer to the owner of the dog, or his agent, directing the owner or agent to claim the dog in three days.
B. The owner of a licensed dog so detained shall pay all fines and costs imposed by this chapter for the violation thereof and also the expense of impounding and keeping the dog before the dog is returned. If, after three days from the giving of such notice, the dog has not been claimed by its owner, the officer may remove the collar and tag dispose of the dog by sale or cause the same to be destroyed in some humane manner.

 § 57-8 Obstructing officers unlawful.
Any person who shall obstruct any officer or other person appointed under this chapter from carrying out the provisions of this chapter or who shall willfully or maliciously obstruct or molest the officer in the seizure or transportation of dogs in violation of this chapter shall be liable, upon conviction thereof, under the penalties provided in this chapter.

§ 57-9. Agreements with humane societies authorized.
The Supervisors are hereby authorized and empowered to enter into agreements, if not heretofore entered into, with any officially recognized humane society for the purpose of assisting in carrying out the intention of this chapter. Without limiting the scope of the preceding sentence, this shall be deemed to include finding homes for dogs which have been seized under the provisions of this chapter and assisting in their destruction according to law.

§ 57-10. Dog pound.
The. township may provide a suitable pen or pound within or
without the township limits for the keeping of such dogs as may be found running at large in violation of this chapter. The Supervisors are hereby authorized to appropriate and expend such funds as are deemed necessary for the maintenance of such pounds and the keeping of such dogs.

§ 57-11. Violations and penalties. [Amended 9-13-1988 by Ord. No. 74; 6-11-1996 by Ord. No. 108]
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon being found liable therefor in a civil enforcement proceeding, pay a fine to the Township of North Londonderry of not more than $600 and court costs.