Hamilton, New Jersey (Mercer County)

§ 108-1 Definitions.

Definitions: For purposes of this chapter, the following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

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KENNEL

Any establishment wherein or whereon the business of boarding or selling dogs or breeding dogs for sale is carried on, except a pet shop.

§ 108-13 Pet shops, kennels, shelters and pounds; pets from animal care facilities and animal rescue organizations.

A. License required; transfer of license. Any person who keeps or operates or proposes to establish a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound shall apply to the Health Officer for a license entitling the person to keep or operate such establishment. Any person holding such license shall not be required to secure individual licenses for dogs owned by such licensee and kept at such establishments. Such licenses shall not be transferable to another owner or different premises.

B. Application for license. The application shall contain the following information:

(1) The name and Corporate and local address of the applicant;

(2) The street address where the establishment is located or proposed to be located, together with a general description of the premises;

(3) The purposes for which the establishment is to be maintained; and

(4) The maximum number of animals to be accommodated by such establishment at any one time.

C. Approval by Division of Health. No license shall be issued until the proposed licensee submits a written statement to the Health Officer of the Division of Health that the establishment or proposed establishment complies with local and state rules governing the location of and sanitation at such establishment.

D. Contents of license; expiration of license. All licenses issued for a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound shall state the purpose for which the establishment is maintained, and all such licenses shall expire on June 30 of each year.

E. License fees. The annual license fees for kennel and pet shop licenses shall be as set forth in Chapter 215-6, Fees, of the Township Code. There shall be no fee for a shelter or pound.

F. Revocation; compliance with applicable regulations.

(1) All licenses issued for a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound shall be subject to revocation by the Township Council on recommendation of the New Jersey Department of Health or the Township Division of Health for failure to comply with the rules and regulations of the New Jersey Department of Health or the Township Division of Health, after the owner has been afforded a hearing by either the New Jersey Department of Health or the Township Division of Health.

(2) Any person holding a license to establish, keep or operate a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound shall comply with all Township ordinances and the rules and regulations promulgated by the New Jersey Department of Health governing the sanitary conduct and operation of kennels, pet shops, shelters and pounds, the preservation of sanitation therein and the prevention of the spread of rabies and other diseases of dogs within and from such establishments.

G. Reports to New Jersey Health Department. The Health Officer shall forward to the New Jersey Department of Health a list of all kennels, pet shops, shelters and pounds licensed within 30 days after the licenses therefor are issued, which list shall include the name and address of the licensee and the kind of license issued.

H. Control of dogs off premises. No dog kept in a kennel, pet shop, shelter or pound shall be permitted off such premises except on leash or in a crate or other safe control.

§ 108-17 License.

A. Required. Licenses shall be required for the following dogs of licensing age:

(1) Any dog owned or kept within the Township by a resident of the Township on January 1 of any calendar year.

(2) Any dog acquired by any person during the course of any calendar year and kept within the Township for more than 10 days after acquisition.

(3) Any dog attaining licensing age during the course of the calendar year.

(4) Any unlicensed dog brought into the Township by any person and kept within the Township for more than 10 days.

(5) Any dog licensed by another state which is brought into the Township by any person and kept within the Township for more than 90 days.

§ 215-6 Department of Health, Recreation, Senior and Veterans Services.

A. Division of Health.

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(3) Dog license.

(a) The person applying for a dog license shall pay a fee of $17 for each dog. He shall also pay $1 for the registration tag for each dog. The same fees shall be charged for the annual renewal of each license and registration tag.

(b) Any resident of the Township who shall have attained the age of 65 years of age applying for a dog license shall pay a fee of $1 for each dog. He shall also pay $1 for the registration tag for each dog. The same fees shall be charged for the annual renewal of each license and registration tag.

(c) There shall be an additional fee of $3 payable annually, applicable to Subsection A(3)(a) and (b) above, for each dog which has not had its reproductive system surgically altered.

(4) Kennels, pet shops, shelters and pounds.

(a) Kennel:

1. Ten or fewer dogs: $10 per year.

2. More than 10 dogs: $25 per year.