Dog Owner Responsibilities
DOGS RUNNING AT LARGE
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.
DOGS BARKING
Unlawful to allow to disturb the peace.
No person shall keep or harbor any animal which creates unreasonably loud and disturbing noises of such a character, intensity, and duration as to disturb the peace, quiet, and good order of any neighborhood within the Township of Swatara. Any person who shall allow any animal habitually to remain or be lodged or fed within any dwelling, building, yard, or enclosure which he occupies or owns shall be considered as harboring such animal.
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.
